Laguna Beach election 2026 · Official ballot position 8 of 9 · Nonpartisan candidate profile
Alex Rounaghi: Laguna Beach City Council Candidate 2026
Incumbent CouncilmemberCurrently serves on the Laguna Beach City Council and is seeking another term.
Ballot position 8. Candidate for one of three at-large seats (every Laguna Beach voter may vote for these seats; they are not assigned to geographic districts) in the November 3, 2026 election.
Incumbent Councilmember, housing-development professional and water-district director whose campaign emphasizes the emergency room, wildfire defense, infrastructure and government efficiency.
Candidate endorsementsThese are public endorsements of candidates, not endorsements by So Laguna.
Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Official ballot position follows the City Clerk’s August 13, 2026 candidate list, published after the Secretary of State randomized alphabet drawing.
Candidate photo pendingSo Laguna will add a campaign-approved or licensed headshot.
Candidate dashboard
Alex Rounaghi at a glance
Council statusCouncil memberIncumbent — currently holds a Council seat
Ballot position8 of 9Three citywide, at-large seats
Positions tracked10Sourced issue categories
Latest finance$65,742.18Form 460 total through Sep. 19, 2026$100,000 shared outside committee funding for Kempf, Rounaghi and OrgillView filing
Voting record97.7% with majorityOf 189 individually recorded positionsView record
Public disclosureForm 700 on fileEconomic-interest filingView summary
Career background
A detailed professional résumé has not yet been published in a source So Laguna can verify.
Review experienceTop issues
Public safety and hospital access, Housing and land use, Traffic, parking and transit, Budget and capital projects, Environment,…
See sourced positionsPublic appearances
2026 candidate forums and debates
The City currently lists nine forums hosted by independent community organizations. The hosts have affirmed that candidates were offered equal time and opportunity to appear. A listing does not establish that every candidate has confirmed attendance.
All currently listed forums have concluded. Past forum records remain available below.
Past forums9 completed
Past forumOfficial organizer flyerVideo, answers and transcript · 2:15:58Searchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce
6:00–9:00 p.m. · Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Forum recordView official flyerWatch video, answers and transcriptSearch transcriptCandidate timestampsOfficial Chamber forum details
Past forumVideo and answer indexSearchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
South Laguna Civic Association
6:00 p.m. (doors open 5:30 p.m.) · Laguna Beach Community Recreation Center (former St. Catherine’s School)
30516 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Forum recordWatch recording and compare answersSearch transcriptCandidate timestampsOfficial SLCA event details
Past forumFull panel and closing statementsSearchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
Laguna Canyon Conservancy
5:30–8:30 p.m. (panel 6:30–8:30 p.m.) · Bridge Hall at Neighborhood Congregational Church
340 St Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Forum recordWatch videos, answers and transcriptsSearch transcriptCandidate timestampsOfficial event details
Past forumFull video, answers and transcriptSearchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
Laguna Beach Arts Alliance
9:00 a.m.–noon (reception 8:30 a.m.) · Forum Theater at Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Forum recordOpen forum replaySearch transcriptCandidate timestampsArts Alliance information
Past forumTwo full videosSearchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
Greater Laguna Beach GOP
6:00–9:00 p.m. · Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Forum recordOpen forum replaySearch transcriptCandidate timestampsGLBGOP event and viewing information
Past forumVideo, answers and transcript · 2:06:21Searchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
Advocates for Laguna Residents
6:00–8:00 p.m. · Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Forum recordWatch video, answers and transcriptSearch transcriptCandidate timestampsAdvocates for Laguna Residents website (currently Launching Soon)
Video
Past forumVideo, answers and transcript · 1:59:24Searchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
Canyon Alliance of Neighborhoods Defense Organization (CANDO)
6:30 p.m. · Online via Zoom
Completed September 10. Watch the full recording, compare all seven answers from each candidate and search the complete transcript.Forum recordFull forum videoSearch transcriptCandidate timestampsCANDO forum page
Past forum
KXFM
5:30 p.m. potluck; 6:30 p.m. forum · Neighborhood Congregational Church, Bridge Hall
340 St Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Compare KXFM candidate answersKXFM forum page
KXFM has published a 10-question candidate-results summary and an official Facebook reel from the September 8 forum. So Laguna has not verified a complete audio or video replay of the full program.
Past forumFull videoSearchable transcriptCandidate timestamps
Village Laguna
6:00 p.m.; recording 1:57:49 · Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Forum recordOpen forum replaySearch transcriptCandidate timestampsVillage Laguna forum information
Open the So Laguna events calendarVerify the City’s current schedule
Village Laguna forum · August 31, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said at the candidate forum
Five concise, neutral summaries link to the exact moments in the full recording. They are not ratings, endorsements or a substitute for watching each answer in context.
- Downtown plan and historic preservationSaid the update had been refocused on Arts District housing within existing height limits and tied compliance with the housing element to protection of historic resources.
- Promenade trees and public safetySaid prior knowledge of saltwater intrusion would not have changed the trees’ condition and emphasized arborist findings, public safety and liability.
- Wildfire and evacuationHighlighted water, fuel-modification and utility investments, supported emerging technology and described wildfire safety as the City’s most important responsibility.
- Church affordable-housing proposalDeclined a yes-or-no answer because he did not vote on the project and instead discussed filling housing capital gaps and preserving Villa Elisa units.
- Tourism managementPrioritized enforcement, additional park rangers and a police staffing study aligned with visitor patterns.
CANDO forum · September 10, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said about Laguna Canyon
Seven concise, neutral summaries link to the candidate’s complete answers. They are not ratings, endorsements or a substitute for watching each response in context.
- Use of a $10 million grantWould invest in fire safety, particularly undergrounding Laguna Canyon Road, using City money to leverage utility funds without assuming the full liabilities of taking over the road.
- Affordable housing locationsPrioritized maintaining a state-compliant housing element to avoid builder’s remedy and favored feasible sites and policy choices that preserve local control.
- Creek and wildlife corridorsCited the creek’s state-recognized ecological significance and personal importance, and supported upstream partnerships, reduced chemical use and coordinated stakeholder planning.
- Small-scale and rural developmentDefined rural character through the canyon’s open-space setting and favored objective, area-specific standards that distinguish its different zoning and development contexts.
- Helping Community DevelopmentDescribed helping residents navigate planning as a major Council task and supported clearer systems, improved access to information and continued work on delays and backlogs.
- Residents and long-term stewardshipSaid Council members represent all 23,000 residents, including people absent from meetings, and must combine broad outreach with independent judgment and transparent reasoning.
- Open-space fundingSupported continuing the annual allocation and pursuing public-private partnerships that multiply City dollars through local philanthropy to preserve and expand open space.
Advocates forum · September 15, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said at the Advocates forum
Six concise, neutral topic summaries link to the exact moments in the complete recording. They are not ratings, endorsements or a substitute for watching each answer in context.
- Measure E and term limitsOpposed Measure E, saying elections already let residents choose whether to retain experienced councilmembers and citing the value of long-serving officials’ regional relationships.
- Hospital and emergency careCalled the hospital his highest Council priority, cited work with county EMS, the attorney general and prospective operators, and supported evaluating Providence’s small-hospital concept while preserving legal options.
- St. Catherine’s propertyFavored a mixed concept in which a for-sale component could help finance a community recreation use that the City cannot currently fund on its own.
- Capital projects and financial oversightOpposed a blanket public-vote requirement for every project above $4 million but agreed that capital estimates must improve and supported a finance commission and recurring performance audits.
- Candidate priorityHighlighted a Council efficiency initiative, performance measures and identified budget reductions, then asked where further cuts could be made without indiscriminate job losses.
- Closing prioritiesPut hospital preservation first, followed by police staffing, wildfire safety and local water reliability, and argued that the next Council will make decisions affecting Laguna for decades.
Arts Alliance · September 26, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said at the Arts Alliance forum
Nine arts discussion rounds, plus opening and closing statements. These are attributed paraphrases with video timestamps; the recording remains authoritative.
Read nine answers and both statements
Opening statement
Describes Laguna’s artistic history, Irvine Bowl music, Playhouse support and artist workspaces. Defends the city-loan model and argues artists must be able to remain here.
Watch opening · 26:11 ↗- 1. About the Arts AllianceHighlights collaboration on the tourism marketing district. Says the agreement will invest more than $15 million in the arts over ten years and argues against reducing that support.
- 2. Arts involvement and recent eventsDescribes museum and Festival memberships, past Lagunatics participation, summer festivals and the Jack Johnson Irvine Bowl concert.
- 3. Parking in the arts districtSupports a structure at the Village Entrance if funded through parking revenue rather than taxpayers. Suggests a $5–$10 Irvine Bowl ticket fee and continued peripheral transit.
- 4. Why the arts matterConnects Laguna’s artistic identity to creative problem-solving. Supports offseason cultural visits that generate hotel and sales-tax revenue and enrich residents’ lives.
- 5. Residents and visitorsDistinguishes beach day visitors from offseason cultural and hotel visitors. Emphasizes rule enforcement, Coastal Commission limits and arts investment that supports residents and revenue.
- 6. Artist housing and workspacesDefends the city loan that helped the Land Trust acquire properties and preserve artist spaces. Prefers repayable loans to grants and supports further progress.
- 7. More use of the Festival groundsSupports more concerts and cultural activities, particularly offseason events. Cites the Jack Johnson concert’s community and economic benefits as his rationale.
- 8. New arts ideasPrioritizes more live music, suggests ticket fees to help fund arts investment and supports exploring artist residencies and idea conventions.
- 9. Arts on the PromenadeSuggests exploring a downtown business district to manage creative programming with city oversight rather than relying entirely on city administration.
Closing statement
Emphasizes public safety, infrastructure and government services alongside arts investment. Defends artist-space preservation and wants wider resident involvement.
Watch closing · 1:56:05 ↗Compare all nine candidates and search the forum transcript →
Chamber forum · October 15, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said at the Chamber forum
Debate coverage updated October 16. Source-linked paraphrases; candidates answered different questions. Silence is not recorded as a policy position.
Read 16 indexed responses and statements
Opening statement
Highlights wildfire preparedness, law enforcement, water reliability, cultural events and shorter permit timelines.
Watch statement · 6:53 ↗- 1. Economic developmentFavors predictable, streamlined approvals rather than City recruitment of specific retailers. Cites shorter permit timelines, AI-assisted processing and easing parking requirements as ways to support businesses.
- 2. Housing locationsSupports updating the Downtown Specific Plan to preserve local housing control. Supports adaptive reuse but identifies fire-code costs as a barrier and sees opportunity in existing arts-district live/work allowances.
- 3. Beach safetySupports clearer beach-risk communication and coordination with the Coastal Commission on more effective signs. Is open to radio outreach if it reaches the visitors at risk.
- 4. Financial accountabilityAgrees with monthly financial reporting, cites the finance-department audit and recommendations, and characterizes treasurer/staff friction as a structural issue. Says the fiscal memo recommended ending reliance on capital-project funds to balance operations.
- 5. Tourism and local spendingSupports combining Visit Laguna Beach and the Chamber. Favors cultural events and institutions that serve residents and bring visitors who spend at local restaurants and hotels.
- 6. Promenade lessonsDefends the tree-removal decision on safety grounds but says the late notice and overnight process were the wrong communication approach. Would put experts on camera to explain evidence and methodology.
- 7. Immigration enforcement and camerasSays Flock data use and retention are limited by California law, including immigration-related rules. Cites a hit-and-run investigation as an example of utility while emphasizing privacy and constitutional protections.
- 8. Homelessness and outreachDescribes participating in the homelessness point-in-time count, calls for stronger state treatment/conservatorship tools, and says changes to the shelter contract sought to reduce downtown impacts.
- 9. Council term limitsOpposes mandatory term limits, citing an informed electorate’s ability to decide whether incumbents should continue. Rejects the suggestion that Laguna lacks talented potential candidates and says he does not envision serving more than eight years himself.
- 10. Planning and building processRegards specialist planning staff as a possible management approach but emphasizes eliminating unnecessary regulation, simplifying property reports and creating legally defensible objective standards while protecting views.
- 11. Efficiency ordinance and trail accessSays the efficiency ordinance carried forward existing General Plan and municipal-code access language rather than creating a new requirement. Distinguishes that issue from the Ranch’s separate coastal permit history.
- 12. Construction, flooding and infrastructureAcknowledges that the Promenade construction timing could have been different. Supports rapid, well-communicated infrastructure work, acknowledges the stormwater plan is behind schedule, and raises integrated water/wastewater management and outside funding challenges.
- 13. Vacant storefrontsPrioritizes permit and parking reform over a recruitment department alone. Describes tools for identifying permitted property uses and coordination with Caltrans and the County to accelerate approvals.
- 14. City management and legal spendingSupports the COO-type role as an operational-accountability tool developed with the city manager. Says Council oversees the manager and attorney rather than individual employees, and defends the in-house attorney model as a way to reduce risk.
- 15. Mayor selectionHas no settled position on a separately elected mayor and sees no clear problem with the current arrangement. Emphasizes the mayor’s public communication role and the city manager’s operational role.
- 16. Civility and political harassmentOpposes personal attacks, especially involving family or addresses, and says he communicated that privately to the individual discussed. Declines to take a definitive removal position because of potential legal and First Amendment issues.
Closing statement
Connects Laguna’s history with long-term water reliability, arts and wildfire preparedness. Identifies retaining hospital services as a priority and seeks another term.
Watch statement · 2:05:16 ↗South Laguna Civic Association · October 6, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said at the forum
Source-linked paraphrases from the published recording. Candidate claims are attributed; automatic captions may contain errors.
Read 12 forum answers and closing statement
- 1. Emergency care and a possible taxMakes emergency care his highest priority. Describes work with the Attorney General, zoning leverage, a proposed smaller hospital and discussions with another operator. Says all options must remain open without giving a clear tax answer.
- 2. Hospital land useWould consider adaptive reuse of the existing tower for senior assisted living alongside a smaller hospital elsewhere on the campus, if that makes emergency care economically feasible. Also criticizes independent PAC spending and says he cannot coordinate with it.
- 3. Catalina lots and park spaceSupports the park concept but would not pay above appraised value. Suggests philanthropy could fill a funding gap.
- 4. South Coast Water District voting rightsSays he does not support this step right now, prioritizing expansion of groundwater rights and water independence for South Laguna. Remains open to voting rights as part of a broader strategy.
- 5. South Laguna’s share of City spendingPrioritizes visitor impacts, more park rangers and enforcement, trash service and Village Green improvements. Describes staffing and cleanup increases as progress that can be expanded.
- 6. Beach infrastructure and fundingWould use visitor parking revenue for rangers and mitigation, and seek regional development contributions, including from the Laguna Hills Mall project.
- 7. Commercial parking requirementsSupports modernizing parking requirements to allow adaptive reuse and local businesses, using Wigz as an example of an approval delayed by old requirements.
- 8. Public restroomsSupports the fire-station restrooms and suggests the Catalina lots if acquired responsibly. Wants resident input and careful evaluation of neighborhood impacts.
- 9. Community Recreation CenterSupports community use but says parking rules and lack of improvement funds limit it. Would consider selling a portion or a long-term ground lease to generate revenue for the facility.
- 10. Community Garden acquisitionSupports the current garden and wants a willing seller. Describes recent community discussions and sees the Catalina lots as a fallback opportunity.
- 11. Beach patrol and park rangersPrefers sworn park rangers and security support, with more staffing and beach-focused deployment. Opposes nonsworn patrol because of authority and liability concerns.
- 12. Gelson’s and neighborhood grocery accessEmphasizes the impact on nearby seniors and supports exploring legal options and community pressure, including the newly mentioned legislation.
Closing statement
Prioritizes emergency care, public safety, wildfire mitigation, visitor enforcement, water infrastructure and budget efficiency. Wants groundwater access extended to South Laguna.
Watch statement · 1:59:40 ↗Compare candidates, review the questions and search the transcript →
Laguna Canyon Conservancy · September 28, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said at the Laguna Canyon Conservancy forum
Paraphrased answer summaries with direct video timestamps, plus the candidate’s closing statement. Candidate claims are attributed statements; the recordings remain authoritative.
Read 9 indexed answers and the closing statement
- 1. Impressions of Laguna CanyonCredits deliberate community action for preserving the greenbelt; wants a financially feasible way to underground utility lines without taking ownership of the road from Caltrans.
- 2. Regional conservation and NCCPSupports NCCP participation if fuel modification can continue; points to Proposition 4 and neighboring development-impact processes as potential funding routes.
- 3. Acquiring additional open spaceSupports continued open-space-fund investment, public-private partnerships, proactive outreach to target owners and participation in nearby environmental reviews to secure mitigation funding.
- 4. Tree preservation and Ocean AvenuePuts life safety first when arborists identify hazardous trees; advocates better maintenance and multiple replacement trees for each necessary removal.
- 5. Irvine–Laguna Wildlife CorridorEmphasizes Irvine relationships and state and federal representatives as essential partners for securing funding and implementing the corridor.
- 6. Invasive plants and agency partnershipsSupports proactive Caltrans, OC Parks and county coordination; opposes glyphosate and says the city’s chemical-free fuel-modification work has cost less than initially feared.
- 7. Fuel modification and native habitatSays fire safety and native habitat can work together; cites existing fuel-modification work and wants continued involvement by Laguna Canyon Foundation.
- 8. Enrolling city open space in the Nature ReserveGenerally supports enrollment if fuel-modification zones can continue, with details worked out; also cites the city’s rezoning of land as permanent open space.
- 9. Partnerships and dependable fundingCites regional relationships and his work connected to the Banning Ranch acquisition; wants continued cooperation with county, state and federal representatives.
Closing statement
Emphasizes public safety, preserving the hospital and emergency room, community-led conservation and creative solutions to future challenges.
Watch statement · 2:22 in the statements video ↗ · Full panel · 1:30:01 ↗Compare all candidates, watch both videos and search the transcripts →
GLBGOP forum · September 23, 2026
What Alex Rounaghi said at the GLBGOP forum
Selected question and answer highlights from the two-part recording. The links open the original video at the answer; these summaries do not cover every exchange.
- Opening: What experience and priorities would you bring?Named public safety, infrastructure and effective city services as priorities.
- Should the city review public access to City Hall services?Cited competitive police pay and an efficiency initiative with a reduction of seven budgeted positions.
- How should Laguna Beach address visitor impacts?Emphasized enforcement, park rangers, trash pickup and prosecuting code violations.
- How should Council scrutinize Promenade construction bids?Said Council should examine line items more carefully and that its procurement oversight could improve.
- What would you do about vacant commercial storefronts?Proposed easing parking requirements and speeding business approvals, including a plan-check pilot.
- What would you review or reduce before raising taxes?Supported outcome-based budgeting, parking contract savings and reviewing low-use on-demand transit hours.
See 35 rapid-round answers
- Do you support Measure E term limits?No
- Would you post Council agendas at least seven days before meetings?No
- Should completed city projects credit taxpayers instead of the mayor and Council on plaques?Yes
- Does the city pay too much for outside consultants?Yes
- Do you approve of the 10-year Visit Laguna agreement?Yes
- Would you turn the library site into a parking structure?No
- Did you support the $13 million taxpayer-funded parking structure on church property?No
- Would you build a new parking structure behind the police station or at the City Hall entrance?Yes · Yes, without taxpayer dollars.
- Would you spend $141 million or more to underground Laguna Canyon Road?No
- Would you still underground Laguna Canyon Road if Edison hardened the poles at no cost?No
- Should the city purchase Laguna Canyon Road?No
- Should the city purchase Coast Highway within city limits?No
- Do you support a downtown plan replacing historic buildings with denser housing and reduced parking?No
- Do you support the proposed development of Ocean Avenue?No
- Do you support adding 675 homes downtown and in the canyon?No
- Was the $2.7 million purchase of the Ti Amo former fire-station site a mistake?Yes
- Would you use city tax dollars to help build housing developments in Laguna?Yes
- Would you charge a nominal trolley fare to offset operating costs?Yes
- Should voters directly elect the mayor?No
- Would you tax second homes or vacation homes?No
- Do you support rent control in Laguna Beach?No
- Would you impose a city transfer tax on property sales over $5 million?No
- Do you support increasing the sales tax?No
- Do you support another increase in the hotel occupancy tax?No
- Would you raise the business-license tax based on gross sales or profits?No
- Would you allow open-container alcohol on the Promenade?No
- Would you rent out the public Promenade for private events?No
- Would you increase building heights downtown?No
- Would you require a public vote on civic projects costing over $5 million?No
- Would you give commercial landlords $10,000 or more for exterior improvements?No
- Would you increase administrative staffing?No
- Would you raise fines for illegal parking, littering, vehicle noise and beach drinking to at least $100?Yes
- Would you support more alcohol licenses in Laguna Beach?No
- Have you had a joint venture or business relationship with a housing developer in the past two years?Yes · Yes, but not in Laguna Beach.
- Have you invested in or profited from a housing project in the past two years?No
Most admired person in politics: George Washington. Part 2 · 21:20 ↗
Experience
Career background and qualifications
So Laguna has not yet located a sufficiently detailed professional résumé in an official or candidate-controlled source. The candidate may provide education, employment, management, public-service and relevant project experience for verification.
Read the fuller biographical summary
Rounaghi was elected in 2022. The City describes him as a lifelong, third-generation Laguna Beach resident and the city’s youngest-ever councilmember, with experience in county policy, housing, human services and the Laguna Beach County Water District. His official biography emphasizes fiscal stewardship and data-driven government.
In Laguna Beach and beyond
Local business and community roles
Rounaghi works in housing development and serves as a director of the Laguna Beach County Water District, alongside his City Council role.
City Ventures
Senior development manager
Rounaghi’s Form 700 identifies City Ventures as his employer; his public professional profile lists him as a senior development manager. The company develops infill housing in California.
Laguna Beach County Water District
Director
The City’s current biography identifies Rounaghi as a district director focused on local water reliability and regional cooperation.
City-listed committee assignments
Committee member
The City lists Rounaghi as serving on the South Laguna Water/Sewer, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Environmental Sustainability, and Parking, Traffic and Circulation committees.
Housing and public policy
Former committee chair and county policy adviser
Before joining Council, Rounaghi chaired Laguna Beach’s Housing and Human Services Committee and worked as a senior policy adviser to Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley.
Only current or clearly labeled former roles supported by public sources are included. A Form 700 income source is not treated as a candidate-owned business without additional evidence. Submit a correction or verification.
Candidate-provided material
From Alex Rounaghi’s official candidate statement
The following is So Laguna’s concise summary of the candidate’s own ballot statement. It describes the candidate’s claims and priorities; it is not an endorsement or independent verification.
Rounaghi emphasizes public safety, wildfire preparedness, infrastructure, fiscal efficiency, local water supply, emergency-room retention and arts programming. He presents these as a continuation of his first council term.
View the statement background and priority list
Background described in the statement
Rounaghi describes himself as a lifelong, third-generation Laguna Beach resident. He cites his experience as mayor during the Rancho Fire and credits city actions involving police funding, water supply, permitting efficiency and budget reductions.
Priorities emphasized
- Retention of an emergency room
- Expanded wildfire defenses
- Local and resilient water resources
- Ocean protection and sewer-spill prevention
- Efficient government and infrastructure stewardship
- Year-round live music at the Irvine Bowl
Issues and positions
Where Alex Rounaghi stands
A quick, source-linked summary of the candidate’s questionnaire responses, public statements and forum answers. Use the source chips to read the questionnaire or watch the answer at its exact timestamp. Tap an issue to open the summary.
Public safety and hospital access
Rounaghi prioritizes retaining an emergency room, expanding wildfire defenses and maintaining police funding. He cites the city’s response during the Rancho Fire.
Housing and land use
At the Advocates forum, Rounaghi favored a mixed concept at St. Catherine’s in which a for-sale component could help finance a community recreation use.
Traffic, parking and transit
At the Village Laguna forum, Rounaghi prioritized enforcement, additional park rangers and a police staffing study aligned with visitor patterns.
Budget and capital projects
He emphasizes infrastructure and financial stewardship and says efficiency initiatives produced more than $1.5 million in cuts.
Environment, beaches and wildfire
Rounaghi calls for expanded wildfire defenses, a resilient water strategy and protection of the ocean from sewer spills.
Arts, business and village character
He proposes year-round live music at the Irvine Bowl as part of strengthening Laguna Beach’s artistic culture.
Transparency and participation
The official statement emphasizes long-range stewardship but does not describe a specific public-participation initiative.
Arts Alliance: arts-district parking
Supports a structure at the Village Entrance if funded through parking revenue rather than taxpayers. Suggests a $5–$10 Irvine Bowl ticket fee and continued peripheral transit.
Arts Alliance: artist housing and studios
Defends the city loan that helped the Land Trust acquire properties and preserve artist spaces. Prefers repayable loans to grants and supports further progress.
Arts Alliance: arts on the Promenade
Suggests exploring a downtown business district to manage creative programming with city oversight rather than relying entirely on city administration.
Official election records
Alex Rounaghi candidate filings
These records are published by the Laguna Beach City Clerk. Campaign-finance totals below are summarized separately so amendments and reporting periods are not double counted.
- Form 501 candidate intention statement
- Amended Form 410 statement of organization
- Form 460 campaign statement · Jan. 1–June 30, 2026
- Form 496 independent expenditure · $2,710 supporting · filed Sept. 18, 2026
- Form 496 · $1,990.85 independent support · filed 2026-10-15
- Form 496 · $1,628.88 independent support · filed 2026-10-15
- Form 496 · $12,828.21 independent support · filed 2026-10-14
- Form 496 · $20,488.46 independent support · filed 2026-10-03
- Form 497 · $100,000 shared Good Leadership Committee contribution · received September 30; filed October 1, 2026
- Form 460 · through 2026-09-19
- Search the City’s current campaign-filing portal
Public financial disclosure
Form 700 summary
The filing reports outside employment, publicly traded investments and a reportable public-agency travel gift.
So Laguna summarizes these public filings to identify relevant business, employment and property interests. Reported ranges are not estimates of net worth or proof of a conflict, and residential addresses and private third-party names are omitted.
View reported business, property and investment details
Businesses and income
- City Ventures — senior development manager; developer/homebuilder of for-sale townhomes; salary income reported over $100,000.
Real-property interests
- No real-property schedule is attached to this candidate filing.
Investments and other disclosures
- Apple stock — $10,001 to $100,000.
- Costco stock — $2,000 to $10,000.
- Tesla stock — $10,001 to $100,000.
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California — $428.35 travel gift for airfare, food and beverages for a September 2025 Colorado River inspection trip.
Filing reviewed: August 4, 2026 candidate Form 700 · View the official City eFile record
Public questions
Ask Alex Rounaghi a question
Submit a policy or public-service question. So Laguna moderates submissions for relevance and civility, and clearly labels candidate replies after verification.
How this works: Questions are reviewed before publication for relevance, civility, privacy and duplication. So Laguna may edit for length or clarity and will mark substantive edits. Published answers identify whether they came from the candidate, campaign or So Laguna editor.
No approved public questions yet. Submit the first question below.
Campaign finance
Alex Rounaghi campaign finance
This live module displays only figures reviewed against official Laguna Beach campaign filings.
Total contributions$65,742.18
Total expenditures$25,728.18
Cash on hand$36,404.35
Outstanding debt$0.00
Loans/self-funding$0.00
Unitemized contributions$2,028.00
Latest reviewed reporting period: through September 19, 2026. View the official Form 460 filing.
2026 calendar-year totals through Sept. 19; this filing covers July 1–Sept. 19. The committee repaid a $15,000 loan this period and reports no outstanding debt. Unitemized contributions are for this filing period.
Firefighters PAC contribution: Its Form 460 Schedule D reports a $500.00 direct monetary contribution to Alex Rounaghi, dated August 11, 2026. This is candidate-committee money, not independent spending. View the PAC filing, p. 13.
Outside spending
Independent expenditures
$39,646.40 in reviewed independent spending supporting Alex Rounaghi across the source-linked transactions below.
$2,710.00 supporting Alex Rounaghi
View official Form 496Howard F. Ahmanson / Fieldstead & Company reported spending for Slate mailer · activity dates: September 18, 2026.
Form 496 · Filer ID 479163 · Report 253101-107$1,990.85 supporting Alex Rounaghi
View official Form 496Laguna Beach Firefighters Association Political Action Committee reported spending for News ads on October 8 ($804.83) and a mailer on October 14 ($1186.02). · activity dates: October 8 and 14, 2026; filed October 15, 2026.
Form 496 · Filer ID 1422691 · Report 101526-1$1,628.88 supporting Alex Rounaghi
View official Form 496Laguna Beach Police Employees Association Political Action Committee reported spending for News ad on October 8 ($58.50), news ad on October 14 ($600.00), and mailer on October 14 ($970.38). · activity dates: October 8 and 14, 2026; filed October 15, 2026.
Form 496 · Filer ID 1346972 · Report 2026.2IE$12,828.21 supporting Alex Rounaghi
View official Form 496LAGUNA BEACH GOOD LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE SUPPORTING KEMPF, ROUNAGHI AND ORGILL FOR CITY COUNCIL 2026, SPONSORED BY REGENCY PROPERTIES LP AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES reported spending for mailers, robocalls and text messages · activity dates: October 13, 2026; filed October 14, 2026.
Form 496 · Filer ID 1497439 · Report 10142026AR$20,488.46 supporting Alex Rounaghi
View official Form 496LAGUNA BEACH GOOD LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE SUPPORTING KEMPF, ROUNAGHI AND ORGILL FOR CITY COUNCIL 2026, SPONSORED BY REGENCY PROPERTIES LP AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES reported spending for consulting, a mailer, newspaper and digital ads, and a slate mailer · activity dates: October 2, 2026; filed October 3, 2026.
Form 496 · Filer ID 1497439 · Report 10032026ARFunding behind the new independent spending: Laguna Beach Good Leadership Committee Supporting Kempf, Rounaghi and Orgill for City Council 2026, Sponsored by Regency Properties LP and Affiliated Entities (FPPC ID 1497439), reported receiving $100,000 from Regency Properties, L.P. on September 30. Its October 1 Form 497, Regency’s contributor-side October 1 Form 497 and page 2 of its October 3 Orgill Form 496 disclose the same contribution; it is counted once. The three October 3 Forms 496 report $61,465.39 in October 2 independent spending. Three October 14 Forms 496 add $38,484.61 spent October 13 on mailers, robocalls and text messages. The committee’s three reported cumulative amounts sum to $99,950: $33,316.68 supporting Kempf, $33,316.67 supporting Rounaghi and $33,316.65 supporting Orgill. Each cumulative figure includes the earlier spending and is not an additional transaction. The October 15 firefighters’ and police employees’ PAC reports add $10,859.21 across the same three candidates. Including these reports and Rounaghi’s separate $2,710 Ahmanson / Fieldstead slate mailer, all reviewed outside support totals $36,936.42 for Kempf, $39,646.40 for Rounaghi and $36,936.39 for Orgill. Correction October 16: the earlier summary incorrectly described the Good Leadership Committee’s spending as $100,000; its six reviewed reports total $99,950. The separate $100,000 contribution remains unchanged. This funding went to the outside committee, not to the candidates’ campaign accounts. These accelerated reports do not establish the committee’s current cash balance. Read the committee’s October 1 Form 497 and Regency’s matching Form 497.
This is not money received or spent by the candidate’s campaign. An independent expenditure is reported separately and is not added to the candidate-controlled totals above.
Campaign-finance figures are compiled from public filings submitted to the City of Laguna Beach. Filings can be amended and recent transactions may not yet appear in periodic reports. So Laguna omits residential street addresses and links summaries to the original record.
View 1 itemized contribution$500.00 shown
These names, occupations, employers and general locations are taken from public FPPC campaign filings. So Laguna omits residential street addresses and other unnecessary personal information.
| Date | Contributor | Occupation / employer | City | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 23, 2026 | Samuel Goldstein | Investor / Radford Stockton LLC | Laguna Beach, CA | $500.00 | Filing p. 4 |
The amount shown here is the sum of the itemized rows displayed, not necessarily the committee’s total contributions. Smaller contributions may be reported only as an aggregate under FPPC rules.
Public voting record
Alex Rounaghi voting record
Verification notice: These source-linked records have not all been individually checked by So Laguna. Confirm details through the linked official government meeting record. For closed sessions, only publicly reported actions and attributable votes are included; confidential discussion is not reconstructed.
Show:
August 4, 2026
View meeting record →Item 22Adoption of ordinance extending the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance and required 10-day report, finding project exempt from CEQA.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 22Adoption of ordinance extending the urgency Design Review Efficiency Ordinance and adoption of required 10-day report, finding actions exempt from CEQA.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Adoption of resolution establishing objective design standards for single and two-family residential development and finding the action categorically exempt from CEQA, with addition to include Laguna Canyon Area annexation area specific plan on the map.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Browse full voting record 378 more positions
August 4, 2026
View meeting record →Item 19Appointment of Alex Rounaghi as alternate to South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SACWA) board, retaining Michelle Banigan as alternate.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items 10, 16, 17, 18, and 19.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Authorization to enter into a 12-month pilot contract with Crossbeam AI for plan checking and permitting process improvements.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 10Environmental Sustainability Committee recommendation on renewable energy and CCA policy.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Motion to deny the appeal and direct staff to prepare a revised resolution with four more restrictive conditions of approval and revised public view protection section, with resolution to be returned for adoption on September 22nd.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Motion to postpone hearing on appeal to September 22nd.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Motion to postpone the hearing on appeal of Design Review Board decision for 315552 Eagle Rockway to September 22nd.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Recognition of Matt Lawson as Emergency Operations Center (EOC) namesake honoree and adoption of resolution with direction to add previously approved recitals.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Support for herbicide-free pilot program in Aliso Creek channel with direction to explore Laguna Canyon Creek addition.
YES5/0Official record ↗
July 28, 2026
View meeting record →Motion to deny the appeal and sustain the Design Review Board's approval of the project at 332 Locust Street.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Motion to deny the appeal, sustain the Design Review Board approval with conditions to eliminate void areas, confirm frosted windows on south side per board condition, and maintain existing plantings on north side.
Not individually recorded4/1Official record ↗
Motion to eliminate void areas in the back, confirm frosted windows on the south side, and confirm existing plantings on the north side for screening.
Not individually recorded4/1Official record ↗
July 21, 2026
View meeting record →Item 15Adoption of urgency ordinance for Design Review Efficiency Ordinance with amended language regarding 15 working days for notice period.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 14Approval of amended contract with IPS for mobile parking services with direction to staff to develop parking technology integration roadmap.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of balance of consent calendar items excluding items 7 and 10.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 10Approval of task order for lifeguard tower design engineering studies and coastal hazards assessment.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 13Downtown Specific Plan Phase Two direction to staff to pause EIR and refocus DSP update on Arts District housing and adaptive reuse with legislative advocacy efforts.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Motion to add recommendation six directing staff to come back with a framework of options and timelines for integrating and leveraging technology solutions to achieve parking and enforcement goals.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Public hearing tabled: Lot Line Adjustment 2026-0960 and Coastal Development Permit 2026-0961 (to be superseded by a parcel map; staff will re-notice)
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 7Response to Grand Jury Report on Housing Mandates with direction to staff to incorporate discussion themes.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Second reading and adoption of Design Review Efficiency Ordinance and Efficiency Ordinance (excluding urgency ordinance).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
July 15, 2026
View meeting record →Adoption of three actions: authorize mayor to execute revised funding commitment letter, authorize assistant city manager and city attorney to negotiate loan and regulatory documents, and find no further environmental review required.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Approval of three recommended actions for the affordable housing project, including funding commitment letter with revised terms.
YES5/0Official record ↗
July 7, 2026
View meeting record →Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items with inclusion of Exhibit A attachment to Item 8
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Approval of Design Review, Coastal Development Permit, and Variance for accessory dwelling unit at 855 La Vista Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Approve deferral of revenue measure to 2028 with establishment of citizen committee and continued exploration of multiple revenue options rather than focus solely on sales tax
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Approve recommendations from Efficiency and Fiscal Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee regarding budget cost reductions and performance metrics
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 17Approve tentative parcel map 2026-0865 and coastal development permit 2026-0954 to merge four parcels at 340 St. Anne's Drive for affordable housing development
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continue appeal of design review approval, coastal development permit, and variance for detached ADU at 855 La Vista Drive; require hydrology study and applicant to relocate structure northerly not less than 5 feet with landscape screening
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 11Continue award of contract for mobile parking payment system to IPS Group to July 21st for further negotiation on contract terms and parking management integration
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Motion to continue the appeal item, require hydrology study, direct applicant to relocate ADU northerly not less than 5 feet, and return with robust landscape plan.
YES5/0Official record ↗
June 23, 2026
View meeting record →Item 23Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget with amendments, including direction to the ad hoc budget committee to pursue identified policy items, and exclusion of recommendations 5 and 6 for later consideration.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 11Approval of a Use Restriction and Agreement for long-term creek management plan, with revised maps on pages 13 and 14 replacing original exhibits.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Approval of amended purchasing policy and procedures (Council Policy 4.2), with modifications including cleaning up numbering inconsistencies.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Approval of an Agreement with Dune Drifter for Caltrans tie-back improvements at Pacific Edge, with direction to city engineer and attorney to ensure adequate security provisions and automatic assignment to future hotel owners.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items 1-10, 13-15, 17, 19-20.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items 11, 16, 18, and 12.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Approval of fiscal year budget with amendments to resolution, salary schedules, and capital improvements, excluding cultural arts recommendations 5 and 6.
YES5/0Official record ↗
June 9, 2026
View meeting record →Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items with notation that item 15 was removed and item 14 corrected regarding policy reference.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items with removal of item 15 and correction of scrivener's error on item 14 (referencing policy 5.1 instead of 4.1).
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 8Approval of recommended action for on-call consultant system and capital improvement projects with direction from staff.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Denial of appeal of Design Review Board approval and adoption of resolution with condition to lower roof by one foot and revert tree landscaping to original plan.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Postponement of appeal hearing to July 28th special meeting.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Reappointment of all five incumbent Arts Commission members and appointment of Cindy Schwartz as alternate.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Reappointment of three incumbent Planning Commission members.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Village Green Park playground design direction to repair existing equipment while Council works on larger revamp including ADA analysis.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
June 9, 2026
View meeting record →Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items with notation that item 15 was removed and item 14 corrected regarding policy reference.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items with removal of item 15 and correction of scrivener's error on item 14 (referencing policy 5.1 instead of 4.1).
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 8Approval of recommended action for on-call consultant system and capital improvement projects with direction from staff.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Denial of appeal of Design Review Board approval and adoption of resolution with condition to lower roof by one foot and revert tree landscaping to original plan.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Postponement of appeal hearing to July 28th special meeting.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Reappointment of all five incumbent Arts Commission members and appointment of Cindy Schwartz as alternate.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Reappointment of three incumbent Planning Commission members.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Village Green Park playground design direction to repair existing equipment while Council works on larger revamp including ADA analysis.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
May 26, 2026
View meeting record →Item 15Adoption of resolution overturning Board approval and denying project based on CEQA finding of historic resource, with redline modifications from City Attorney.
Not individually recorded3/2Official record ↗
Item 15Adoption of resolution overturning Board approval and denying project based on CEQA finding of historic resource, with redline modifications from City Attorney.
Not individually recorded3/2Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar with exceptions for item 10 (continued to later date) and item 15 (pulled for separate discussion).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar with exceptions for item 10 (continued to later date) and item 15 (pulled for separate discussion).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar with items 10 removed and 15 pulled from consent.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar with items 10 removed and 15 pulled from consent.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Approval of tentative parcel map and coastal development permit to merge three adjacent parcels at 2500 Glenery Street, 2500 Palo Way, and 2500 Queda Way into one legal parcel for single-family residence.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 17Approval of tentative parcel map and coastal development permit to merge three adjacent parcels at 2500 Glenery Street, 2500 Palo Way, and 2500 Queda Way into one legal parcel for single-family residence.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Continuance of appeal B to June 23rd, 2026 (agreed by both sides).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Continuance of appeal B to June 23rd, 2026 (agreed by both sides).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Continuance of first reading of design review efficiency ordinance and efficiency ordinance to June 23rd, 2026.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Continuance of first reading of design review efficiency ordinance and efficiency ordinance to June 23rd, 2026.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Continuation of appeal B to June 23rd, 2026.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Continuation of appeal B to June 23rd, 2026.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Recommendation that the ad hoc committee (Whalen and Rounaghi) screen and recommend 9-13 applicants for the hospital task force from 28 applications received.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Recommendation that the ad hoc committee (Whalen and Rounaghi) screen and recommend 9-13 applicants for the hospital task force from 28 applications received.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
May 13, 2026
View meeting record →Appeal of Design Review Board denial of coastal development permit and variance for accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
YES5/0Official record ↗
Motion to continue the hearing and leave the public hearing open, with continuance to August 4th.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Motion to direct staff to prepare resolution overturning the Design Review Board approval and denying the project.
Not individually recorded3/2Official record ↗
May 5, 2026
View meeting record →Item 1Motion to proceed with the Marine Protection Area petition scheduling discussion on May 12th as originally planned.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 1Motion to proceed with the scheduled meeting on the Marine Protection Area petition on May 12th rather than postpone to a later date.
YES5/0Official record ↗
April 28, 2026
View meeting record →Item 5Adoption of revised control of appropriations and control of expenditures/financial reporting ordinance.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 5Adoption of revised control of appropriations and control of expenditures/financial reporting ordinance.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Adoption of updated resolution to facilitate withdrawal of appeal and implementation of agreed-upon more restrictive conditions.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Adoption of updated resolution to facilitate withdrawal of appeal and implementation of agreed-upon more restrictive conditions.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Appeal of administrative decision approving hedge height claim requiring trimming of eugenia hedge to 10-foot maximum height with maintenance between 10-11 feet.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Appeal of administrative decision approving hedge height claim requiring trimming of eugenia hedge to 10-foot maximum height with maintenance between 10-11 feet.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items 5, 8, and 12 which were pulled for discussion.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items 5, 8, and 12 which were pulled for discussion.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items 5, 8, and 12.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items 5, 8, and 12.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 8Approval of the Clean Laguna stewardship program with Creative branding, signage, and infrastructure improvements.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 8Approval of the Clean Laguna stewardship program with Creative branding, signage, and infrastructure improvements.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Continuance of public hearing for adoption of the master fee schedule to May 12th.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Continuance of public hearing for adoption of the master fee schedule to May 12th.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Motion to approve recommended action regarding stewardship/educational campaign.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Motion to approve recommended action regarding stewardship/educational campaign.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 12Second reading and adoption of ordinance regulating beach canopies on city beaches and parks with designated zones and height restrictions.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 12Second reading and adoption of ordinance regulating beach canopies on city beaches and parks with designated zones and height restrictions.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
April 14, 2026
View meeting record →Item 62026 summer parking management plan and transit services update
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 62026 summer parking management plan and transit services update
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 19Ambulance program rate increase and fourth ambulance purchase
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 19Ambulance program rate increase and fourth ambulance purchase
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of remaining consent calendar items after removal of items 6, 7, 8, and 15
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of remaining consent calendar items after removal of items 6, 7, 8, and 15
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Balance of recommended action including swimming and surfing area clarifications
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Balance of recommended action including swimming and surfing area clarifications
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 17Bond sale and utility undergrounding for Fairview-Librea Assessment District
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 17Bond sale and utility undergrounding for Fairview-Librea Assessment District
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 7Budget control policy and budget transfer procedures
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 7Budget control policy and budget transfer procedures
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Direction to authorize city manager to execute non-disclosure agreement for OCPA energy profile evaluation
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Direction to authorize city manager to execute non-disclosure agreement for OCPA energy profile evaluation
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
First reading of amended ordinance as modified by assistant city attorney with swimming and surfing area clarifications
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
First reading of amended ordinance as modified by assistant city attorney with swimming and surfing area clarifications
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16First reading of ordinance amending Title 18 regarding special events, shade coverings, surfing zones, and skimboarding at beaches
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16First reading of ordinance amending Title 18 regarding special events, shade coverings, surfing zones, and skimboarding at beaches
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 20Fiscal year 2025-2026 mid-year budget update
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 20Fiscal year 2025-2026 mid-year budget update
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 21General plan amendment and local coastal program amendment regarding deletion of watercourse at 600 Buena Vista Way
YES4/1Official record ↗
Item 21General plan amendment and local coastal program amendment regarding deletion of watercourse at 600 Buena Vista Way
YES4/1Official record ↗
Motion for reconsideration of prior shade coverings vote
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Motion for reconsideration of prior shade coverings vote
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Proposed underground utility assessment district for Bluebird Canyon Drive
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Proposed underground utility assessment district for Bluebird Canyon Drive
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Section 1804.020 regarding shade coverings, tables, volleyball nets and courts with modifications as read into record
Not individually recorded4/1Official record ↗
Item 16Section 1804.020 regarding shade coverings, tables, volleyball nets and courts with modifications as read into record
Not individually recorded4/1Official record ↗
Item 8Service provider agreement with Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce for downtown tree lighting program
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 8Service provider agreement with Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce for downtown tree lighting program
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Work plan to evaluate joining Orange County Power Authority (OCPA)
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Work plan to evaluate joining Orange County Power Authority (OCPA)
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
March 24, 2026
View meeting record →Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items pulled for separate discussion
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items excluding items pulled for separate discussion
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 20Approve lot line adjustment to merge two adjacent lots at Laguna College of Art and Design for Innovation Center project
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 20Approve lot line adjustment to merge two adjacent lots at Laguna College of Art and Design for Innovation Center project
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 21Continuation of appeal for 511 Brook Street to April 28th
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 21Continuation of appeal for 511 Brook Street to April 28th
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Housing element annual progress report for fiscal year 2024, received and filed
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Housing element annual progress report for fiscal year 2024, received and filed
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 11Lease agreement with Annalise Preschool at Lang Park, amended to one-year term with appraisal direction
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 11Lease agreement with Annalise Preschool at Lang Park, amended to one-year term with appraisal direction
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 20Lot line adjustment and coastal development permit to merge two adjoining parcels at Laguna College of Art and Design (2825 and 2851 Laguna Canyon Road)
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 20Lot line adjustment and coastal development permit to merge two adjoining parcels at Laguna College of Art and Design (2825 and 2851 Laguna Canyon Road)
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Receive and file housing element annual progress report to State HCD
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 16Receive and file housing element annual progress report to State HCD
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Removal of carob tree at 264 Legion Street; authorization of Western redbud planting in Catalina roundabout and direction to identify alternative shade tree location through public process
Not individually recorded4/0Official record ↗
Removal of carob tree at 264 Legion Street; authorization of Western redbud planting in Catalina roundabout and direction to identify alternative shade tree location through public process
Not individually recorded4/0Official record ↗
Item 18Removal of torrey pine at Festival of the Arts and two ficus trees on Short Street; authorization of replacement plantings with species to be determined through public process
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Removal of torrey pine at Festival of the Arts and two ficus trees on Short Street; authorization of replacement plantings with species to be determined through public process
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 14Undergrounding loan deferment program agreement with property owner
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 14Undergrounding loan deferment program agreement with property owner
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Uphold removal of Carob tree at 264 Legion Street and authorize planting of Western redbud in Catalina roundabout with direction to identify alternate shade tree location
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Uphold removal of Carob tree at 264 Legion Street and authorize planting of Western redbud in Catalina roundabout with direction to identify alternate shade tree location
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Uphold removal of Torrey Pine at Festival of Arts and two Ficus trees on Short Street with replacement tree species to be determined
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 18Uphold removal of Torrey Pine at Festival of Arts and two Ficus trees on Short Street with replacement tree species to be determined
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
March 10, 2026
View meeting record →Item 16Approval of Conditional Use Permit 25-1036 and Coastal Development Permit 25-2021 for hotel parking reduction via transportation demand management plan.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items with items 6, 10, and 12 pulled for separate discussion.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 12Approval of goat grazing fuel modification services contract with new vendor.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 14Approval of Hospital Action Plan with direction to form community advisory committee with timeline to be determined by ad hoc committee and city clerk.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 6Approval of updated Investment Policy with recommended amendments per Councilmember Whalen.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 15Continuation of City Council Policy and Procedures Manual update to designated appeal day May 13, 2026.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
February 24, 2026
View meeting record →Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 12Approval of LCAD parking rental program resolution and parking agreement.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 9Award of construction contract to Triangle Decon Services for emergency operations center at CRC.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 11Confirmation of 2026 City Council strategic priorities and direction to staff to implement Tranche 1 of the facilities master plan.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Continuation of design review appeal regarding historic assessment review.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Denial of appeal of Design Review Board approval with amended condition requiring additional height reduction.
NO4/1Official record ↗
Item 9Motion to reconsider item 9 (award of construction contract for emergency operations center).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 10Receive and file the ASM Affiliates historic property evaluations report and direct staff to implement recommended actions regarding historic register properties.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
February 10, 2026
View meeting record →Item 13Adoption of amended fee resolution adding 2.6% credit card convenience fee to city fee schedule.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 3Adoption of Records Retention and Destruction Schedule.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 7Amendment to parking easement agreement for 311-31 Monterey Avenue.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 as amended, and 8 with the addition of Mark Orgill as an alternate on the playhouse.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items including various city contracts and appointments with noted amendment to item 6 and addition of Mark Orgill as alternate on item 8.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Council approved directing the Mission Hospital ad hoc committee to develop a work plan for addressing the proposed closure of acute care services and involving community input.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Council approved moving forward with a fully operational EOC at the CRC and directed staff to develop a buildout plan for City Hall and Fire Station 1.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Direction to ad hoc committee to develop work plan regarding proposed hospital closure with internal and external steps and community input process.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 9Direction to Environmental Sustainability Committee regarding Orange County Power Authority review and feasibility study with work plan development.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 12Direction to staff to develop charter proposal incorporating parking enforcement, procurement, and penalty provisions with financial analysis and simplified focus.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 10Move forward with Emergency Operations Center at Community Recreation Center and direct staff to bring recommendations on City Hall improvements and Fire Station 1.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
January 27, 2026
View meeting record →Approval of $8 million secured loan to Community Land Trust for purchase of two properties (2307 Laguna Canyon Road and Big Ben property) with artist housing and affordability covenants.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Approval of conditional use permit for historic preservation parking incentive (75% reduction) for combined coffee shop, retail, and tavern use with restricted hours.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items, excluding items 8 and 12 which were pulled for separate discussion.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Approval of first amendment to Laguna Playhouse lease with $500,000 one-time payment for 10 weeks annual reserved community use with specific terms for parking, ticketing, and concessions.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Approval of funding for Clean Laguna visitor stewardship and anti-littering campaign totaling $210,000 with $50,000 grant subsidy.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Authorization for utility undergrounding project with $321,000 funding and direction to establish assessment district fund.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Continuance of appeal C to April 28, 2026, agreed by all parties involved.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Denial of appeal of Design Review Board approval for two accessory dwelling units with parking exemption on steep hillside lot.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Denial of appeal of Design Review Board approval of house remodel, ADU, pool, and elevated deck with modifications: 3-foot deck setback increase, 5-foot pool-side screening, removal of window frosting requirement.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Direction to City Manager to evaluate space at alternative sleeping location, PMMC, and dog park and return with analysis and recommendations.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 11Motion to reconsider item 11 (formation of ad hoc committee for open space planning) to allow for reopened public comment.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
January 13, 2026
View meeting record →Item 12Adoption of resolutions declaring results of assessment district balloting and awarding construction contract for Fairview La Brea underground utility district (82% yes vote, 74 valid ballots from 90 parcels).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 9Approval of amendment to purchase and sale agreement for Artist Work Live unit at 2307-2535 Laguna Canyon Road (Community Land Trust project).
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items 1 through 6 and 8.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 11Award of construction contract to Suburb Engineering for promenade project ($5.5M), award of contract to NextGen for construction management ($340K), approval of contingency amounts and transfer of $4.4M from other CIP projects.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 10Continuation of Laguna Playhouse lease and community benefit agreement discussion to January 27 meeting.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Item 7Continuation of public hearing on Monterey Street easement amendment regarding parking restriction removal, with staff directed to investigate alternative solutions for emergency access preservation.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
Motion to continue the hearing on appeal A to February 24 and direct staff to have HRG respond to the GPA critique of its initial report, with both firms available at the hearing.
Not individually recordedOfficial record ↗
December 18, 2025
View meeting record →Second reading of an unspecified agenda item with no changes from first reading.
ABSENTN/AOfficial record ↗
December 9, 2025
View meeting record →Item 26Adoption of the 2025 Wastewater Master Plan.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 26Adoption of the 2025 Wastewater Master Plan.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Appeal of Design Review Board approval of Design Review 24-2113 for modifications to landscape plan at 1813 Temple Hills Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Appeal of Design Review Board approval of Design Review 24-2113 for modifications to landscape plan at 1813 Temple Hills Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Appeal of Design Review Board denial of Design Review 24-1572 and Coastal Development Permit 24-1688 for modifications to a single-family dwelling at 607 Short Street.
YES4/1Official record ↗
Appeal of Design Review Board denial of Design Review 24-1572 and Coastal Development Permit 24-1688 for modifications to a single-family dwelling at 607 Short Street.
YES4/1Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of Consent Calendar items including minutes, warrants, resolutions, agreements, and parking recommendations.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of Consent Calendar items including minutes, warrants, resolutions, agreements, and parking recommendations.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 24Artist Live-Work Units; amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for Laguna Canyon Road properties and execution of Letter of Intent with Laguna Beach Community Land Trust.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 24Artist Live-Work Units; amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for Laguna Canyon Road properties and execution of Letter of Intent with Laguna Beach Community Land Trust.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Election of Hallie Jones as Mayor Pro Tem for the upcoming term.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Election of Hallie Jones as Mayor Pro Tem for the upcoming term.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Election of Mayor Mark Orgill for the upcoming term.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Election of Mayor Mark Orgill for the upcoming term.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Item 14Initiation of CEQA review and approval of consultant agreement for the proposed Aliso Estuary Restoration Project.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 14Initiation of CEQA review and approval of consultant agreement for the proposed Aliso Estuary Restoration Project.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 23Laguna Playhouse funding assistance authorization for operational support.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 23Laguna Playhouse funding assistance authorization for operational support.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Public hearing for appeal of Community Development Director's designee's approval of Design Review 25-0891 for an elevated deck addition at 31421 Holly Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Public hearing for appeal of Community Development Director's designee's approval of Design Review 25-0891 for an elevated deck addition at 31421 Holly Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 22Qualification of initiative measure proposing to enact City Council term limits.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 22Qualification of initiative measure proposing to enact City Council term limits.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 25Resolutions and appropriations related to sale of bonds for Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street).
RECUSED4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
Item 25Resolutions and appropriations related to sale of bonds for Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street).
RECUSED4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
November 18, 2025
View meeting record →Adopted Mills Act Preservation Agreement for historic property at 426 Holly Street; authorized City Manager to sign contract agreement.
YES4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
Adopted Mills Act Preservation Agreements for three historic resource properties at 501 Lombardy Lane, 503 Brooks Street, and 2646 Victoria Drive; authorized City Manager to sign contract agreements; directed Heritage Committee to research best practices.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continued public hearing on appeal of Community Development Director's Designee approval for elevated deck addition at 31421 Holly Drive to December 9, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continued public hearing on appeal of Design Review Board approval for landscape modifications at 1813 Temple Hills Drive to December 9, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continued public hearing on appeal of Design Review Board approval for new single-family dwelling at 31526 Valido Road to January 13, 2026.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continued public hearing on appeal of Design Review Board approval for new single-family dwelling at 31526 Valido Road to January 27, 2026.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Formed an ad hoc committee to work with the Arts Commission to develop a process to solicit design options for an official City flag.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 13Introduced two ordinances adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and Fire Code with local amendments; adopted Resolution #25.086 setting forth findings based on local conditions.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Motion that the Mayor and Councilmember Kempf work with the Arts Commission and come back to Council with a proposed process to engage the community in determining the city flag ahead of the 100th year anniversary.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
October 28, 2025
View meeting record →Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items including minutes, warrants, claims, resolutions, ordinances, and various agreements and services.
YES5/0 (with recusals noted)Official record ↗
Item 24City contribution, resolution of intention and engineer's report for proposed Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-3 (Fairview/La Brea).
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 14Conditional waiver of city fees for three in-lieu parking certificates at 224/226 Ocean Avenue.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continue public hearing on appeal of Community Development Director Designee's approval of Design Review 25-0891 at 31421 Holly Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continue public hearing on appeal of Design Review Board approval of Design Review 24-2113 at 1813 Temple Hills Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continue public hearing on appeal of Design Review Board's approval of Design Review 24-1151 and Coastal Development Permit 24-1152 at 31731 Seacove Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 15KXFM Oak Street Halloween Event waiver of city resource fees.
Not individually recorded4/1Official record ↗
Item 25Update on amendments to General Plan and Open Space and Conservation Element, and authorization for First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for biological surveying services.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Visit Laguna Beach Services Agreement approval.
YES5/0Official record ↗
October 14, 2025
View meeting record →Item 8Approval of the City Council 2026 meeting schedule with direction for concerted effort to accommodate full attendance during any Special Meetings during the August-September break.
YES5/0Official record ↗
September 23, 2025
View meeting record →Appeal of Community Development Director's designee's approval of Design Review 25-0891 for elevated deck addition at 31421 Holly Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Appeal of Design Review Board approval of Design Review 24-1151, Coastal Development Permit 24-1152, and Variance 24-1153 for additions and remodel of single-family dwelling and ADU at 31731 Seacove Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of minutes, warrants, payroll, claims, and various contracts and agreements.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 25Approval of Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update and appropriation of funds to implement.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 13Award of contract for design services for Coast Highway Sidewalk Gap Closures.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 12Award of task order for design of Downtown Action Plan Improvements (Ocean Avenue) and direction to staff regarding traffic analysis for one-way conversion.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 24Clarification of Fuel Modification Program and Emergent Invasive Species Program regarding herbicide use and town hall requirements.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 26Discussion and direction to staff regarding coastal development permit application for parking rate structure renewal.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Environmental Sustainability Committee recommendations regarding glue trap prohibition, carbon-positive concrete, and native plant gardens.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 27Public hearing and balloting for Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1, adoption of resolutions, and appropriation of funds.
RECUSED3/0Official record ↗
August 12, 2025
View meeting record →Adopted Resolution #25.074 authorizing the withdrawal of the appeal of the Design Review Board's conditional approval of Design Review 24-2550 for landscaping at 276 Cajon Street and directing staff to refund $500 of the $2,000 appeal fee.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 10Authorized the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Laguna Canyon Foundation to donate the unused portion of the in-lieu fee paid by the Ranch at Laguna Beach consistent with Coastal Development Permit No. A-5-LGB-14-0034.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 20Authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-71 with Natures Image, Inc. for Fuel Modification Services through December 31, 2028, and approved the addendum to the City's certified Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continued the appeal of the Community Development Director's designee's approval of Design Review 25-0891 for an elevated deck addition at 31421 Holly Drive to the September 23, 2025, City Council meeting.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 21Directed staff to report back to the City Council at the first meeting in November addressing liability concerns, CEQA analysis, lead agency legislation, and to host a town hall regarding Caltrans' conditional relinquishment offer for Laguna Canyon Road.
YES5/0Official record ↗
July 22, 2025
View meeting record →Item 8Adoption of resolution establishing a red flag fire safe parking restriction program in the Bluebird Canyon and Canyon Acres Drive neighborhoods.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 20Amendment to professional services agreement with De Novo Planning Group for revised scope of work for comprehensive zoning code update.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 7Award of contract for trash and recycling receptacle services with Quality Commercial Cleaning dba Spectrum Facility Maintenance, Inc.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 13City Council review of Planning Commission approval of Design Review 25-0697 to modify exterior paint colors for Forest Avenue Mall at 332-334 Forest Avenue.
YES3/2Official record ↗
City Council review of Planning Commission approval of Design Review 25-0779 and Coastal Development Permit 23-0151 to demolish existing residence and expand parking lot at 359 Third Street.
YES3/2Official record ↗
Item 21Confirmation of sewer service fee assessments and authorization of transmittal to County of Orange for placement on 2025-26 County Tax Roll.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 10Creation of Laguna Beach Amnesty Accessory Dwelling Unit Program to legalize unpermitted accessory dwelling units meeting certain conditions.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Direction to staff to further investigate site selection for a pump track, including Moulton Meadows Park, and coordinate with County and mountain bike association.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Service agreement for Geographical Information System (GIS) professional services with Infinity Technologies.
YES5/0Official record ↗
July 8, 2025
View meeting record →Item 12Adoption of revisions to Underground Utility Assessment District Formation Policy.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of Consent Calendar items including minutes, warrants, payroll, claims, investment report, weed abatement resolution, and compensation study update.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 8Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Laguna Beach and Moulton Niguel Water District for collaboration on the OASIS Water Resource Center Project.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 10Award of contract for geological analysis and wave run-up studies for enclosed lifeguard towers.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 13City Clerk compensation adjustment and adoption of pre-election salary review policy.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Denial of appeal and upholding of Community Development Director's approval of Coastal Development Permit 25-0036 for accessory dwelling unit at 1673 Louise Street.
Not individually recorded4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
First motion: Finding of abuse of discretion by Planning Commission regarding Design Review 25-0697 for Forest Avenue Mall exterior paint color modification.
YES4/1Official record ↗
Item 14Further study for Festival of Arts sound policy and authorization of sound consultant scope of work.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Second motion: Direction to staff to return with resolution striking the brick condition for Design Review 25-0697.
YES3/2Official record ↗
June 24, 2025
View meeting record →Item 15Adoption of second amendment to City Manager employment agreement providing one-time merit-based exceptional performance payment and continued 457(b) contribution.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Adoption of updated Master Fee Schedule with reduced fee for Real Property Reports to $40 effective July 1, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Approval of Conditional Use Permit 25-1046 and Coastal Development Permit 25-1047 for parking reduction and sidewalk café with outdoor seating for Truly Pizza restaurant at 320 North Coast Highway.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 14Assignment of $25 million in investment funds to Meeder Investment Management and direction for 3rd-party review of City Treasurer's hours.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continuation of appeal of Community Development Director's approval of Coastal Development Permit 25-0714 for 705-square-foot accessory dwelling unit at 31774 5th Avenue to a date uncertain.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Denial of appeal and upholding of Design Review 24-2721 for storage areas and carports at Hotel Joaquin with more restrictive conditions requiring garage doors to remain.
Not individually recorded4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
June 11, 2025
View meeting record →Adoption of Resolution #25.039 sustaining the Design Review Board's decision to approve Design Review 25-0583 for modifications and additions at 482 Aster Street.
Not individually recorded3/0 (2 recusals)Official record ↗
Item 1Adoption of Resolution #25.040 designating the lower portion of Forest Avenue as a "Slow Street" and authorizing the City Manager to close the street to vehicular traffic.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Adoption of Resolution #25.041 denying appeals and sustaining the Planning Commission's approval of Design Review 25-0319 and Coastal Development Permits 25-0318 and 25-0587 for the pedestrian plaza and street closure at Lower Forest Avenue.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Adoption of Resolution #25.042 upholding the Planning Commission's approval of Temporary Use Permit 25-0650 and Coastal Development Permit 25-0652 to construct an outdoor dining parklet operated by Oto Sushi at 370 Glenneyre Street.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Adoption of Resolution #25.043 upholding the Planning Commission's approval of Design Review 25-0261 for Fire Station #4 at 31796 Coast Highway and finding no subsequent environmental review required.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Item 1Finding that the proposed action is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code section 21080.25(b).
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
June 10, 2025
View meeting record →Item 10Adopted Playground Master Plan as a strategic guide for future planning and investment in City playgrounds and found the action exempt from CEQA.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 19Approved Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District Plan with noted revisions, adopted resolution declaring results of majority protest proceedings and renewing the district, and approved Amendment No. 1 to agreement with Visit Laguna Beach.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continued appeal hearing for coastal development permit for 810 square-foot second-story ADU at 1673 Louise Street to July 8, 2025, pending further staff evaluation and HCD discussion.
Not individually recorded4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
Item 12Established separate Investment Advisory and Audit Committees, adopted related resolutions, and appointed Kempf and Whalen to the Audit Committee.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 9Introduced ordinance adding Chapter 5.84 to LBMC regarding licensing scheme for short-term rental units and directed staff to delay enforcement until October 1, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Introduced ordinance amending Fire Code by adding Chapter 15.01 to adopt Cal Fire recommendations for 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
YES5/0Official record ↗
May 20, 2025
View meeting record →Acknowledged intent to contribute $1,415,072 to Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 if approved and prior to bonds being sold.
RECUSED3/0 (2 recusals)Official record ↗
Adopted Resolutions for Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street) and appointed September 23, 2025 hearing date.
RECUSED3/0 (2 recusals)Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproved Consent Calendar items including minutes, warrants, claims, planning update, waste disposal agreement, sewer lift station design task orders, and sidewalk repairs contract.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 11Authorized City Attorney and staff to negotiate utility undergrounding agreements and conditionally offer financial contributions and legal protections.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 14Authorized City Manager to execute amendment to agreement with Be Well OC for mobile mental health services for 2025-2026.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Continued appeal hearing of Design Review Board's approval of Design Review 24-2550 at 276 Cajon Street to August 12, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Directed City Manager to cast ballots in favor for three City-owned parcels within the assessment district and authorized City Manager to sign and return ballots.
RECUSED3/0 (2 recusals)Official record ↗
Item 10Introduced Ordinance amending parking restrictions and adopted Resolution amending parking penalty schedule.
YES5/0Official record ↗
May 13, 2025
View meeting record →Item 13Adoption of Resolution #25.028 supporting the formation of the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust, as amended.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 20Adoption of Resolution #25.030 adopting General Plan Amendment 25-0320 amending the Safety Element of the General Plan.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Adoption of Safer Streets Laguna Beach - Citywide Safety Action Plan and direction to staff to incorporate findings into future planning and grant applications.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 15Approval in concept of the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update, with direction to staff to refine cost components and funding sources.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of Consent Calendar items including proclamations, minutes, warrants, payroll, investment report, military equipment inventory, goat grazing contract, construction contract, and school district agreement.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 19Direction to Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisance for property #186 (APN 644-04420).
YES4/0 (1 abstention)Official record ↗
Item 19Direction to Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisance for property #242 (APN 644-254-12).
YES3/0 (2 abstentions)Official record ↗
Item 19Direction to Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisances for properties #325 and 326 (APN 656-053-17 and 656-053-27).
YES4/0 (1 abstention)Official record ↗
Item 17Establishment of Virginia Way Underground Utility District 2025-1 and approval of Engineer's Report and Resolution #25.029.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 19Public hearing for annual weed abatement program directing Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisances for multiple properties.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Public hearing regarding annual sidewalk and intersection visibility nuisance abatement program for Properties 1-50.
YES5/0Official record ↗
May 6, 2025
View meeting record →Item 13Adoption of Resolution #25.028 supporting the formation of the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust, as amended.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 20Adoption of Resolution #25.030 adopting General Plan Amendment 25-0320 amending the Safety Element of the General Plan.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Adoption of Safer Streets Laguna Beach - Citywide Safety Action Plan and direction to staff to incorporate findings into future planning and grant applications.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 15Approval in concept of the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update, with direction to staff to refine cost components and funding sources.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of Consent Calendar items including proclamations, minutes, warrants, payroll, investment report, military equipment inventory, goat grazing contract, construction contract, and school district agreement.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 19Direction to Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisance for property #186 (APN 644-04420).
YES4/0 (1 abstention)Official record ↗
Item 19Direction to Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisance for property #242 (APN 644-254-12).
YES3/0 (2 abstentions)Official record ↗
Item 19Direction to Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisances for properties #325 and 326 (APN 656-053-17 and 656-053-27).
YES4/0 (1 abstention)Official record ↗
Item 17Establishment of Virginia Way Underground Utility District 2025-1 and approval of Engineer's Report and Resolution #25.029.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 19Public hearing for annual weed abatement program directing Fire Chief to abate noticed nuisances for multiple properties.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Public hearing regarding annual sidewalk and intersection visibility nuisance abatement program for Properties 1-50.
YES5/0Official record ↗
March 25, 2025
View meeting record →Item 9Accepted FEMA grant funding of $334,102.50 for hazard mitigation in Fuel Modification Zones 16 and 19.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 24Adopted resolution modifying parking restrictions to establish three on-street public parking spaces along the 1200 block of Bluebird Canyon Drive.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 23Appointed Megan Garibaldi as City Attorney, approved employment agreement, and adopted resolutions on conditions of employment and updated salary schedule for city employees.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproved consent calendar items including minutes, warrants, investment reports, claims, and various administrative actions.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Approved renewal of Consultant Services Agreement #25-11 with GrassrootsLab for public information and education services.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 8Authorized second amendment to Smart Parking Guidance System agreement with Frogparking, Inc., extended to April 2, 2026, and directed staff to release RFP for new system.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 21Directed staff to continue operating the Alternative Sleeping Location beyond June 30, 2025, update homeless needs assessment within 60 days, issue RFI for ASL operation, and appointed Mayor Rounaghi and Councilmember Kempf to ad hoc committee.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 20Introduced ordinance amending Chapter 14.76 on real property records, adopted resolution identifying content requirements for real property disclosure, and approved form of disclosure.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 15Introduced ordinance waiving first reading and adding Chapter 10.16 regulating e-bikes and other electric transportation devices, directed staff to return for second reading April 8, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 22Introduced Slow Streets Program ordinance for Chapter 11.70, directed staff to return for second reading April 8, 2025, and directed staff to draft resolution and apply for coastal development permit for closure of lower Forest Avenue.
YES5/0Official record ↗
March 11, 2025
View meeting record →Item 20Adopted amended urgency ordinance #1713 regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 8Adopted Ordinance #1711 requiring use of quiet pickleball paddles at Lang Park.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproved consent calendar items including minutes, warrants, resolutions, and agreements.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Approved revised fund balance for FY 2023-24, mid-year budget modifications for FY 2024-25, and salary schedules.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 10Authorized consultant services agreement with Harris & Associates, Inc. to establish and form the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 7Authorized consultant services agreement with IPS Group, Inc. for digital parking permit software.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 11Awarded contract for historic property evaluation services with ASM Affiliates.
NO4/1Official record ↗
Item 19Introduced for first reading an ordinance amending the zoning code regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 15Modified the Senior Home Repair Program and provided the Housing Element Annual Progress Report on an as-needed basis.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 15Prepared Request for Proposals to procure consultant services to rezone residentially-zoned institutionally-owned properties.
RECUSED4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
Item 16Received and filed Community and Recreation Center Interim Use Plan update and directed staff to pursue permitting for art room and parking expansion.
YES5/0Official record ↗
February 25, 2025
View meeting record →Item 9Adopted resolution establishing economic development policy and related economic incentives to encourage business development.
NO4/1Official record ↗
Item 15Adopted resolution supporting further analysis of petition to extend no-take Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area's southern boundary to city's southern coastal boundary off Three Arch Bay.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 14Adopted the Laguna Beach Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and determined exempt under California Environmental Quality Act.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 12Appointed two city council members to ad hoc committee to review Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Assistance Grant applications.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 8Approved draft ordinance adding licensing scheme for short-term lodging units and directed staff to contact online rental facilitators and return revised ordinance for first reading in April 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 10Approved proposed scope of services for retail consultant to support economic development, with revisions clarifying city purview and including performance-based payment approach.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Continued interim land use ordinance No. 1707 regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to March 11, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 17Continued zoning ordinance amendment 24-2343 and local coastal program amendment 24-2344 regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to March 11, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 5First reading of ordinance requiring quiet pickleball paddles or similar equipment at Lang Park.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Introduced by title only ordinance amending Title 25 (Zoning) and Local Coastal Program as modified by California Coastal Commission; directed staff to draft resolution and schedule adoption consideration for March 11, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 13Provided direction to City Manager on 20% contribution for Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 on West Street and option for city bond purchase.
RECUSED4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
February 11, 2025
View meeting record →Adoption of Resolution #25.005FA appointing Erica Castillo as Treasurer of the Laguna Beach Financing Authority.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 8Affirmation of direction from January 31, 2025 Strategic Planning session including community pool in Facilities Master Plan and Downtown Action Plan projects.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Appointment of Blair Contratto, Rebecca, and Rhett Schiffman to the View Restoration Committee for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Appointment of Chris Quilter to the Housing and Human Services Committee for term through June 30, 2027.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of Consent Calendar items 1-5 including minutes, warrants, claims, art installation, and records retention schedule.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 7Approval of progress update on Fleet Electrification and Electric Vehicle Charging Implementation Plan with direction to release RFP and continue collaboration with SCE.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 6Authorization for City Manager to purchase Cohesity backup system from Nth Generation for cost not to exceed $274,513.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Extension of terms for South Laguna Water/Sewer Advisory Committee members to June 30, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
January 28, 2025
View meeting record →Consent calendarApproved consent calendar items including minutes, warrants, payroll, investment report, claims, vehicle purchases, custodial services, recreation committee work plan, and beach volleyball tournaments.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 18Authorized the City Manager to execute the third amendment with CR&R to the solid waste franchise agreement to memorialize changes in multi-family dwelling definitions and clean up items effective February 1, 2025.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Granted the appeal of the Design Review Board's approval of Design Review 23-0887 for additions and modifications at 1560 Sunset Ridge Drive, overturning the Board's decision and remanding the project due to inability to make variance findings.
YES4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
Item 10Received and filed the Toovet Trail Feasibility Study update and directed staff to discontinue further efforts on the Toovet Trail connection due to property, regulatory, and environmental challenges.
YES5/0Official record ↗
January 14, 2025
View meeting record →Item 13Adoption of Resolution #25.003 approving Purchase and Sale Agreements for the City's purchase of real property at 2307 & 2535 Laguna Canyon Road and related authorizations.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Item 16Adoption of urgency ordinance #1709 to extend Urgency Ordinance No. 1707 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units for 22 months and 15 days.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of Consent Calendar items including minutes, warrants, payroll, claims, investment report, MOU ratification, fire vehicle upfitting agreement, speed survey ordinance introduction, bid rejection, and police association side letter.
Not individually recorded4/0 (1 absent)Official record ↗
Denial of appeal and modification of Design Review Board approval for pool, spa, deck, BBQ, and landscaping at 8 Rockledge Road.
Not individually recorded4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
Item 15Direction to staff to re-introduce the first reading of the ordinance amending Chapter 25.17 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units with modifications.
YES5/0Official record ↗
December 10, 2024
View meeting record →Adoption of urgency ordinance to amend Zoning Code Chapter 25.17 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to comply with state law changes.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Approval of 2025 Investment Policy and authorization for Deputy Treasurer Victoria McIntosh to complete investment duties if needed.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Approval of carryover appropriations of $30,751,800 and carryover revenue estimates of $1,732,400.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Consent calendarApproval of consent calendar items including general warrants, payroll, investment report, claims, street light maintenance contract, trolley services amendment, age well senior services MOU, and laguna playhouse lease amendment.
YES5/0Official record ↗
Approval of minutes from Regular Meeting of November 12, 2024 and Special Workshop of November 20, 2024.
Not individually recorded4/0 (1 abstention)Official record ↗
Continuation of Mills Act contract approval to January 28, 2025, with direction to staff to work on feasibility of paint removal and wood restoration for the Coast Liquor building.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Continuation of public hearing on appeal of Design Review 23-0887 and related permits to January 28, 2025, with directive for parties to confirm agreement by January 3, 2025.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Direction to staff to work with ad hoc committee for updated costs including design costs and present updated plan during January 2025 annual planning session.
YES4/0 (1 recusal)Official record ↗
Failed motion to remand Design Review 23-1480 back to Planning Commission with determination that the site is not a historic resource.
YES0/5Official record ↗
Introduction for first reading of ordinance to amend Zoning Code Chapter 25.17 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to comply with state law changes.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Reconsideration and approval of amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for property sale with revised terms including $100,000 price reduction and extension of closing date.
Not individually recorded5/0Official record ↗
Remand of Design Review 23-1480 back to Planning Commission with City Council determination that the site is not a historic resource and direction to preserve character-defining brickwork.
Not individually recorded4/1Official record ↗
Record and accountability
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- Laguna Beach Firefighters Association endorsement
- Laguna Beach Police Employees’ Association endorsement
- Advocates for Laguna Residents candidate forum video and local transcript — September 15, 2026
- Arts Alliance forum video, candidate answers and captions — September 26, 2026
- Official candidate statement filed with the City Clerk
- Candidate Form 700 in the City’s official eFile system
- City Ventures — City biography and Form 700
- City of Laguna Beach 2026 General Municipal Election
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is Alex Rounaghi running for Laguna Beach City Council in 2026?
Yes. Alex Rounaghi qualified for the November 3, 2026 ballot and appears in position 8 of nine candidates for three at-large City Council seats.
Is Alex Rounaghi an incumbent?
Alex Rounaghi is an incumbent Laguna Beach City Councilmember.
What businesses and community organizations is Alex Rounaghi connected to?
Rounaghi works in housing development and serves as a director of the Laguna Beach County Water District, alongside his City Council role. Each listed role includes its supporting public source.
What economic interests did Alex Rounaghi disclose?
The filing reports outside employment, publicly traded investments and a reportable public-agency travel gift. The complete filing is available through the City’s public eFile system.
How does So Laguna verify this profile?
So Laguna prioritizes official City records, campaign-controlled pages, public filings and dated primary-source statements. Unknown positions are labeled rather than inferred.
Where can I compare every candidate?
Use the Laguna Beach election voter guide for the live candidate comparison and campaign-finance table in official ballot order.
Ask Alex Rounaghi a public question