City Removes Vandalized Murals For Their Own Safety

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig's weekly update:

Broadway Bus Depot Murals - Since 2001, the Arts Commission has facilitated the exhibition of four temporary murals at the Broadway Bus Depot which are selected through a competitive process. The works titled “Postcards from Laguna” depict local scenes welcoming people who use public transport to the downtown. The Commission has conducted three competitions, to rotate the murals on exhibit, which have been funded by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach. The current murals were installed in December 2010 and during the past six weeks have experienced on-going vandalism. Two of the four murals have been punctured and ripped along with graffiti. Due to this vandalism, staff has removed the remaining murals for their safety. The Arts Commission will be looking for alternative locations to exhibit the murals and will make a recommendation to the City Council early in 2012.

Promotion in Police Department – The City would like to announce the promotion of Sue Anne Monlux to Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police. Sue has worked for the City of Laguna Beach for seven years and has been an Acting Administrative Assistant several times over the years to numerous Chiefs. Sue holds a bachelor degree in English and a teaching credential from Chapman University. Sue takes over for Tina Linden who recently resigned following the addition of twins to her family. Tina served as the assistant to the Chief of Police for over ten years.

2011 Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition - At its meeting on Monday, the Arts Commission reviewed 180 submissions to the annual Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition. The Commission selected 14 designs for display at City Hall during December. The selected artists are: Katie Baker (4); Meghan Reardon (5); Ashley Abrahams (7); Clara Becker (8); Kathryn Callahan (8); Luca De Mari (8); Annabelle Kavanagh (8); Elsa Dahle (9); Joey Risi (9); Emily Baker (11); Katie Glavinovich (12); Lucas Toro (12); Nathan Hunt (13); Maryellie Jacquez (16). This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

2012 Cultural Arts Funding Application - The Arts Commission is currently accepting applications from organizations to fund arts programs occurring July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 in Laguna Beach. In April 2001, the City of Laguna Beach adopted a resolution establishing a business improvement district. The purpose of this ordinance is to promote off-season cultural events and encourage overnight hotel occupancy. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 3, 2012. Applications are available on the City’s web-site or e-mail spoeschl@lagunabeachcity.net

Traffic Alerts By Text Message - The City’s email notification system (e-notify) has been expanded to include text messaging. Residents interested in having a text message sent to their cell phone of significant traffic delays due to traffic accidents or construction projects can sign up at the City of Laguna Beach website by clicking this link. Once enrolled, just select “traffic alerts” from the list of available e-notify options. For questions about the text messaging service or traffic alerts email trafficalerts@lagunabeachcity.net.

Laguna Canyon Road Widening - The County of Orange will be adding a second outbound traffic lane on Laguna Canyon Road at its intersection with El Toro Road. The work began this week and is scheduled to be completed by the end of March. The improvements will require the installation of a new traffic signal. During construction, there will be temporary signals in place.