Palette Designs Wanted; New Lifeguard Headquarters Groundbreaking

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig's weekly update: 

Sunset Serenades - There will be a change to the scheduled performer at Sunset Serenades this Friday, September 14, 2012. Performing at 5:30 p.m. will be Latin artist Ruben Gonzales. 

2012 Palette Competition - The Arts Commission is currently accepting designs for the annual Palette Competition.  Artists are requested to submit a color design by October 5, 2012. Winning artists will be provided with a 4’ x 3’ wooden palette which will be displayed on lampposts throughout the city and an honorarium of $500. The palette outline for design submittals may be found by clicking this link or downloading the PDF form in the box on the right -->

Community Workshop on the Downtown Specific Plan – On Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, the Planning Commission is hosting a community workshop to obtain recommendations from community members, downtown business owners, downtown property owners, and design professionals regarding potential amendment of the City’s Downtown Specific Plan.  Your input is invaluable!

Lifeguard Headquarters and Public Restrooms – This project has begun and the temporary facilities for the lifeguards have been installed near the Tower.  Temporary public restrooms have been installed next to the basketball courts.  Installation of utilities to the temporary facilities will be completed next week.   The lifeguards should be moved into their temporary facilities by September 22, 2012 with demolition of the existing facilities beginning on September 26, 2012.  A groundbreaking event will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. in front of Marine Safety Headquarters on North Main Beach, located at 175 North Coast Highway. If you have any questions, or for more information, please contact Kristin Buhagiar, Recreation Supervisor, at (949) 497-0304.

Mozambique Roof Deck Application – The Planning Commission considered an application to allow a 1,200 square foot roof deck addition above the existing patio along South Coast Highway.  The Planning Commission unanimously voted to continue the project discussion to its October 24 meeting and requested that staff revise the resolution to include additional conditions for possible approval of the project. They also requested that the applicant look at relocating and/or reducing the elevator shaft.

Citywide 36-foot Maximum Building Height-  The Planning Commission voted by a 3-2 vote to recommend that the City Council restore a 36-foot height limit that would be applied to all structures city-wide, after it was removed from the City’s Municipal Code in 2008.  The City Council will consider the Planning Commission recommendation and voting on the matter within the next month or so.

Rockledge Sewer System Improvements - The City awarded a contract last month to reconstruct one of the City’s oldest sewer collection systems in the Rockledge area. The roadway will be frequently impassable during the day.  City staff and the contractor have met with the neighbors and will be working closely with them to arrange access to homes during the construction.  The construction will start next week with an anticipated completion by mid-December.

September 11 Memorial Services - Police and Fire Department Staff participated in September 11 memorial services at the American Legion Hall.  Mayor Pro-Tem Rollinger, Fire Chief Head and Police Captain Kravetz provided remarks to commemorate the tragic events which occurred 11 years ago.  The event was attended by 85 members of the community along with several members of Laguna Beach service groups.  The keynote address was given by newly elected County Supervisor Todd Spitzer.