Teen Drinking Ordinance Meeting Set; Kiosk Approved; Lift Station Done

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig's weekly update:

Social Host Ordinance Informational Meeting – On October 3, Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m. the Police Department will be hosting an informational meeting in the City Council Chambers concerning the proposed Social Host Ordinance (regarding underage drinking that goes on in private homes - ed.) scheduled to be presented to Council for first reading on November 13.  The purpose of the meeting is to have an open dialog with the community to exchange information and discuss concerns.

Main Beach Lift Station - The new Main Beach lift station is in permanent service.   The old lift station under the lifeguard headquarters has been shut down, cleaned, and is ready for demolition.  All temporary piping connections have been removed.  From an operational standpoint, the sewer lift station work is complete with minor warranty work remaining.

Lifeguard Headquarters - The lifeguard operations have moved into the temporary facilities.  The significant planning and cooperation by staff, contractors, and utilities resulted in a nearly seamless transition of telephones, data, dispatch, and radio operations from the old headquarters to the temporary facilities.  The temporary public restrooms near the basketball courts are now in service.  Demolition of the existing public restrooms and the headquarters should begin on Monday, October 1.  A pathway from the boardwalk to Heisler Park will remain open throughout the project.

Temporary Kiosk approved for the Visitor’s & Conference Bureau – At its meeting Wednesday evening, the Planning Commission unanimously approved a Temporary Use Permit to allow the Laguna Beach Visitor’s & Conference Bureau to install a portable information kiosk in Forest Lane near South Coast Highway (between Toes on the Nose and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory) for up to three years while options are explored for a permanent location.  The kiosk will be set back 16 feet from the sidewalk so that visually, the mural located on the wall and the personalized pavers will not be affected. The Planning Commission also approved retention of the benches in the area.

Artist Open Studios - Starting on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be first of six Artist Open Studios, facilitated by the Arts Commission. Participants can catch a free shuttle service from Act V, 1900 Laguna Canyon Road and take advantage of the free parking. A docent will guide participants through the studios of 35 artists along Laguna Canyon Road.  The event will be held the first Saturday of the month, from October through March. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

City Hall Art Reception - A reception for the current exhibition at City Hall will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit “A Taste of Art” highlights the works of member galleries of the non-profit organization First Thursdays Art Walk. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

Community Garden - The discussion related to acquisition of the property currently housing a community garden in South Laguna has been postponed to the October 16 City Council meeting in order to allow time to explore various items related to the property.