Laguna Beach City Council Interviews and Appointments - August 4, 2026

August 4, 2026

Executive Summary

- The City Council appointed the two remaining applicants to the Housing and Human Services Committee without interviews, approved 5-0, after one of the three original applicants withdrew. The agenda specified two-year terms effective immediately through June 30, 2028; the appointees were not named in the spoken transcript. - The City Council appointed Karen Jones, the sole applicant for two View Restoration Committee vacancies, approved 5-0. Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones nominated Karen Jones and stated they are not related. The staff report specified the remainder of a vacant two-year term effective immediately through March 31, 2028. - City Clerk Ann Marie McKay recommended the View Restoration appointment because the three-member committee could not meet if one member was absent. The appointment brings membership to four, with one vacancy remaining. - Councilmember Bob Whalen participated remotely, confirming that the agenda had been posted for 24 hours at his location and nobody was present with him. The agenda identified his location as 125 Speedboat Avenue, Kings Beach, California. - Councilmember Alex Rounaghi arrived after the meeting began and voted yes on both appointments.

Key Decisions

- Appointed the two remaining applicants to the Housing and Human Services Committee without interviews (approved 5-0: Councilmember Sue Kempf yes, Councilmember Alex Rounaghi yes, Councilmember Bob Whalen yes, Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones yes, Mayor Mark Orgill yes). The agenda specified two-year terms effective immediately through June 30, 2028; names were not stated in the transcript. - Appointed Karen Jones to the View Restoration Committee on Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones's nomination (approved 5-0: Councilmember Sue Kempf yes, Councilmember Alex Rounaghi yes, Councilmember Bob Whalen yes, May