Laguna Beach Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committee - October 5, 2026

October 5, 2026

Executive Summary

- Approved formal dedication of the 1931 Seagrave Fire Engine to retired Fire Captain Eugene 'Diz' D'Isabella by unanimous vote, following a letter of request from the Fire Department. - Emergency Management Advisor Craig Fugate warned that the forecast Super El Niño could bring repeating severe coastal storms similar to 1997-98, with risks of coastal erosion, flooding, mudslides, and infrastructure damage; he emphasized that communities cannot prevent disasters but must build teams and prepare response capabilities including warning systems, evacuation capacity, and coordination of essential services restoration. - Assemblymember Diane Dixon reported signing 16 bills into law this year (26 total over four years), including legislation prohibiting unauthorized drones in fire zones ($75,000 fine), banning e-bike piggybacking and speed modification kits effective January 1, 2027, requiring tattoo artists to receive human trafficking recognition training, and adding human trafficking to the state's crime data registry. - Fire Chief Nicholas King announced his retirement effective December 30, 2026, and reported completion of all fuel modification zones twice (some three times) and FMZ

Key Decisions

- Approved formal dedication of the 1931 Seagrave Fire Engine to retired Fire Captain Eugene 'Diz' D'Isabella (unanimous vote) - Approved September 8, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous vote with abstentions from Drake Smith and David Horne)