Laguna Beach Local News

By Michèle Monda The City Council has become a black hole into which questions asked by councilmembers and residents disappear—totally ignored, not answered and never discussed.   This was abundantly obvious at the April 9, 2024 City Council meeting. First, Councilmember Rounaghi commented about a man arrested 15 times over the...

Thursday, April 11 DUI. A 46-year-old Grand Rapids, Mich. man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail. Burglary, parole violation, resisting an officer. Nathan John Turner, 43, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, parole violation, and resisting an executive officer. He was held without bail. Friday, April 12 DUI. A 64-year-old Aliso Viejo man was...

By Caedman Welch, LBHS senior and member of the school's "Walking for Water" club Meet Susan Hough. The 13-year resident of Laguna Beach not only mentors many LBHS students but also inspires private therapy clients near and far.   Hough also founded the non-profit Wisdom Springs organization that sponsors the annual "Walking...

KXFM announced Thursday that Billy Fried, Cindy Obrand and Jonathan Tufano, well-known Laguna residents and long-time program hosts, have been appointed to the radio station's board of directors.  The trio will replace station founder Tyler Russell McCusker and Chapman University Dean Jerry Price, also an original member. Fried, Obrand and Tufano...

By Rachelle Cano, Special to the Independent Native Laguna Beach artist, writer, curator and graphic designer Vanessa Françoise Rothe and her European family moved to Laguna shortly after she was born. The vibrant Southern California artist retreat provided the ideal backdrop for her to cultivate her artistic sensibilities and creativity,...

Laguna Beach City Council tapped former Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff as its new city manager during its Tuesday, April 9 meeting. After an extensive final round interview process with eight city manager candidates, the council unanimously approved Kiff’s employment agreement this week. His official start date is slated...

SPRING SPORTS UPDATE Many Laguna sports teams had to skip spring break due to the district calendar taking the traditional week later than most of the area public schools. The issue will still exist next year as the Breakers will be out-of-step with the other Pacific Coast League schools and...

Wednesday, April 3 Forging official seal. Ramsey Adam Bilbeisi, 43, Placentia, was arrested on suspicion of forging an official seal, which is a felony. He was held on $20,000 bail.  Possessing a controlled substance, theft. Michelle Brigette Goodman, 56, of Lakewood was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, theft...

By Jackie Connor, Special to the Independent Blink and you might pass up the beautiful shores of Oak Street Beach. Among the 26 unique shorelines in Laguna Beach, Oak Street is home to not only a marine protected area but also a host of locals like the Booth family, who...