Laguna Beach City Council - May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach City Council held a special meeting on May 5, 2026, to decide whether to proceed with a scheduled May 12, 2026 meeting to discuss the City's position on Marine Protection Area (MPA) regulation change petitions for the Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA). - The Marine Protection Area Blue Belt Coalition requested postponement of the May 12th meeting to allow time for the Ocean Protection Council to review the petitions after the May 19th Fish and Game Commission meeting, arguing that waiting would provide more comprehensive data. - Consumptive users (fishermen, recreational fishing advocates) strongly opposed postponement, arguing that adequate science already exists, the Environmental Sustainability Committee voted 6-1 against expansion, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife already reviewed and denied the petitions. - Council members expressed frustration with the emergency meeting called on 24 hours' notice but emphasized the meeting was necessary to allow all five council members to weigh in under Brown Act requirements. - The City Council voted unanimously 5-0 to proceed with the May 12, 2026 meeting as originally scheduled, rejecting the pos

Key Decisions

- Voted unanimously 5-0 to proceed with the May 12, 2026 City Council meeting to discuss the City's position on Marine Protection Area (MPA) regulation change petitions for the Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area, rejecting the request to postpone the meeting. - Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, to move forward with the process as originally laid out to the public. - Decided to adjourn to closed session for performance evaluations and labor negotiations.