Saving Energy Nets City Big Bucks; Mermaid Walls Crumbling Down

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig's weekly update:

Energy Savings Rebate from SCE – Earlier this year the City completed an energy efficiency project that included high efficiency heating, air conditioning, and lighting at several City facilities. The project was partially funded with a $131,000 federal grant. The City recently received a rebate from SCE for the project in the amount of $11,175.

Mermaid Street Wall Failure - The retaining wall below 455-469 Mermaid Street has failed and needs to be replaced. The wall was built in 1929 with Improvement District Number 2. Design and construction will take several months, so a temporary barricade will be installed to keep pedestrians off the sidewalk below the failed wall. Replacement of this wall is in the 10-year Capital Improvement Program in year 8. A report will be brought to the City Council on September 18 recommending advancement of the project on an emergency basis.

Mosquito Bites - The Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) reminds residents to stay safe during the holiday weekend by following recommendations to reduce exposure to mosquito bites and prevent infection of West Nile virus (WNV). Click here to read tips on how to avoid exposure to West Nile virus.

Main Beach Lift Station Update - The new Main Beach lift station is in service.  Temporary piping connections allow both the new lift station and the old lift station to operate in parallel.  The old lift station only receives flow from the Main Beach public restrooms and the Lifeguard Headquarters, but will also function as emergency backup for the new lift station.   Both lift stations will continue to operate until the lifeguards move into their temporary facilities on or about September 22, 2012.

Olympic Gold Medalist at Community Pool this Saturday! - Please join us in welcoming home Laguna Beach’s own Annika Dries: USA Women's Water Polo Gold Medalist at the 2012 London Olympics.  As a youngster, Annika participated in the City’s water polo classes coached by Chad Beeler and went on to star at LBHS.  The event, hosted by the City of Laguna Beach, will take place at the Community Pool on Saturday, September 1 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature a live performance by The Third Street Strutters from the Laguna Concert Band.  The pool will be open to the public free of charge.  Bring your suit and towel and spend the afternoon with a local Olympian! For more information, contact Adam Gufarotti, Pool Manager: agufarotti@lagunabeachcity.net or read this story on Patch.