September 2025

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Dear Laguna Canyon Conservancy Members,

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With 2025 heading towards autumn, there are still many ongoing and new issues to be concerned about when it comes to the preservation of our canyons, wildlands and natural ecosystems.  Everyone is very aware of the damage that can be caused by fires and climate change but other looming threats to our beautiful landscapes are from land use plans and development attempts.  Laguna Canyon Conservancy’s mission of protecting and preserving open space has not changed and we continue working to raise public awareness through communication and education. Please check our website to see past programs and what is ahead.  www.LagunaCanyonConservancy.org

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LCC frequently joins with other local environmental groups to support their good work. There will be several meetings and events planned for the remaining year that will be vital to preserving our surrounding community and we will keep you updated as best we can. 

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One of the most important issues that currently concerns the LCC Board of Directors is the Laguna Beach City Council’s proposal for the city to assume full control of SR-133, Laguna Canyon Road. That means the state agency Caltrans would relinquish in perpetuity the full operational and legal liability responsibilities of the road to the residents of Laguna Beach. The city’s public works department would then be solely in control of getting road improvements and maintenance completed. Caltrans offered the city an initial sum of about $14.4million to accept the road relinquishment but one must ask how fair is that when the annual legal liability alone is about $11million dollars. What future on-going revenue sources will there be to support city ownership of the road besides property taxes and sales taxes?

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The full implications of this proposal and potentially staggering financial costs are far from being known nor accounted for. It is very important to learn more about this issue whether you are a resident of Laguna Beach or just concerned about what happens to Laguna Canyon Road.   Mark your calendar to attend this Town Hall if you can:

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• Tuesday, September 16, 2025 – 4:00 PM – Laguna Beach City Council Chambers

Laguna Canyon Road: Protect and Connect Town Hall Meeting

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Join the City of Laguna Beach for a Town Hall on the Laguna Canyon Road: Protect and Connect project on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM in City Council Chambers. Staff will give a brief update, then invite public questions and comments on the project and acceptance of the roadway.

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Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.  LCC is a non-profit 501c4 organization, m

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Sincerely

Gayle Waite

President, Laguna Canyon Conservancy
949-887-3247  -  GayleWaite100@gmail.com

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The Laguna Canyon Conservancy is a non-profit organization; however, donations are generally not tax deductible. Since we do take positions on issues of public policy, the LCC is not a 501 (c) 3 organization, but rather a 501 (c) 4. California Corporation Number (CCN) 1428036 and Federal Employer Identification number (EIN) 33-0294068.