Public works director named as temporary replacement
After four years of public service in Laguna Beach, Marc Wiener left his position as Community Development Director on Wednesday, Jan. 24 according to an announcement released by the city the following day.
The release stated that Wiener left “to pursue other professional opportunities.”
“I wish to thank Marc for his contributions these past four years and to wish him well in his future endeavors. Marc is proud of his time in Laguna and of the many friends he made along the way,” Interim City Manager Sean Joyce said.
The interim city manager has appointed Laguna Beach Public Works Director Mark McAvoy as the Acting Director of Community Development while the city searches for a permanent replacement.
McAvoy will work with Assistant Community Development Director Matt Schneider throughout this interim period to “provide continuity of department leadership that provides services upon which so many residents rely every day.”
In turn, McAvoy has assigned City Engineer Mark Trestik, a 23-year veteran of Laguna Beach, as Acting Public Works Director while he steps in as Community Director.
The city said McAvoy and Trestik would remain in frequent contact to ensure no disruptions of operations in Public Works and to provide McAvoy with a smooth return to his original department.
“I am confident that the depth and breadth of talent in Public Works will allow for Mark McAvoy’s temporary absence without reducing service to the public,” Joyce said.
Mark McAvoy is not a candidate for the Community Development Director position, the city release said.
Hired in 2019, Wiener provided strategic management and oversight for all Department services, including Planning, Zoning, Building and Permitting, Code Enforcement, and Historic Preservation. He worked on large-scale and advanced planning projects such as updates to the city’s General Plan, the Downtown Specific Plan, and continuous work with the California Coastal Commission.
Wiener oversaw the adoption of the Short-Term Lodging Ordinance, Downtown Specific Plan, and Historic Preservation Program and updated the Safety and Housing Elements of the city’s General Plan.
As of press time, attempts to reach Wiener for comment were unsuccessful.
There is definitely more to this story, too bad us residents aren’t getting the truth. This has been a long time coming. I know village laguna and its supporters wanted him gone and had him on their hit list right after the previous City Manager. They were constantly criticizing him the past few months. Village Laguna members were unusually cheery during the last council meeting, could they have known ahead of time? Is the interim city manager working with these individuals behind the scenes? I hope we are not going to go backwards, things finally seemed to be moving in the right direction in our town. Now the city manager and director of community development are out within months of each other. Who’s next?
MOM mobsters and their attorney strike again?
Mobsters? Conspiracies? Foreknowledge?
I’m one of Village Laguna’s harshest critics, never been a fan, never will be.
My NGO, Clean Water Now never needed them or their support to be successful.
But really, isn’t this type of paranoia expressed by Watson & Slater ridiculous?
Dupuis was a lousy, scandal-plagued CM, made lousy decisions, hired sub-standard underlings…. why didn’t that occur to you?
I’d toss Public Works Mark McAvoy onto the funeral pyre, this bonfire of the vanities.
You rid your home of dirt, disease and contamination, and what Laguna needs is a thorough housecleaning at City Hall.
So while you’re at it, Sean, show him the door too.
I’ve watched him closely at SOC Wastewater Authority hearings…..he should be gone pronto!
I’m in the water industry, he’s an embarrassment, attendees and Directors sense that, he’s in over his head professionally.
“Out damned spot!” as Lady Macbeth shrieked.
Liz – what on earth on you saying? Have you NOT heard from lots of residents, not in any way affiliated with Village Laguna, about the damage that Weiner did??? Sweetwater approvals by lying about it being mitigated when it wasn’t, the 5 G tower on the radio station that even the radio station doesn’t want, lots and lots of homeowner issues that he let slide by? Apparently you haven’t been listening to City Council meetings when these poor residents have begged the City council for help with their issues of abuse by Weiner and the Development Dept. To make Village Laguna the bogey man for all this is insane. And in fact who knew that they were going to fire Weiner the next day AFTER the City Council voted to give the City Manager power to approve a 6 mos. severance and 10% pay raise to anyone taking extra responsibilities. I personally feel fooled bc I didn’t see that coming on Tuesday night. Weiner was fired Wed. after these policies were voted in. So exactly who knew this was coming???? Proof please that VL was aware of it———
Ms. Slater,
I agree with you. It can be frustrating when a change happens and it’s not clearly communicated as to why. I rarely communicate publicly, but here goes.
As with Marc Wiener, I can share with you what I am aware of. With the new city attorney and city manager, residents were able to approach them and express their concerns over what has transpired in the city as a result of Marc Wiener’s decisions. Many of the decisions were completely against our municipal code, CEQA as well as state and federal regulations. The city manager listen and worked with some of the residents to hold off lawsuits. Don’t be mistaken lawsuits have been filed recently with more to come as a result of Marc Wiener.
Although I am not involved with Village Laguna. I would like to see all of us stop blaming Village Laguna. They get far too much credit for the multitude of serious issues/problem they had nothing to do with. IMO Village Laguna had nothing to do with Marc Wiener’s departure.
My husband and I have been dealing with two projects in our neighborhood. In both cases, Marc Wiener ignored, city state and federal regulations causing potential serious harm to the community. One involves dishonest about contamination, the other ignoring FCC regulations for wireless facilities, which can cause serious health issues for those in the building and around it.
IMO this was a long time coming. Marc Wiener is not with the city as a result of his own actions.
Christy Miller
Mr. Watson,
Please see my comments above MOM had nothing to do with Marc Wiener departure.
Ms Miller
Are you an employee or representative of MOM. Or perhaps, a volunteer? It seems you have first hand information. Are they behind one of the threatened lawsuits?
“You rid your home of dirt, disease and contamination, and what Laguna needs is a thorough housecleaning at City Hall.”
AGREE 100%! I believe the overdue city hall clean up and clearing out has been underway since the 2022 election. Unfit City Official GONE. Inept City Manager GONE. Decades of same Legal Counsel/City Attorney GONE. CM’s hand-picked Community Development Director GONE.
Residents are once again paying attention to their community and quality of life. They are getting vocal and pushing back when elected’s and staff controllers do not listen. Look for increased demand for government transparency and public servant accountability in 2024.
And, more compromised officials and staff replacements happening at city hall.
Mr Watson,
My comment regarding the MOM group was formed after reading Sean Joyce’s “the week there was” newsletter a couple weeks ago. 1. Hotel Laguna submitted plans, for planning commission approval. It stated that Hotel Laguna had worked with the Laguna Beach planning department, Marc Wiener, as well as Heritage and both had approved the plans. From that statement, can assume that there isn’t an issue.
My husband and I have been put in a position by the Acting city manager to hire an attorney to negotiate and if necessary file an action against the city. Marc Wiener administratively approved an additional wireless facility on the roof of the wine gallery building. According to FCC regulations, he did not have the authority to do. This project was NOT staked or noticed to residence. It also brings the building to a height of 39.7 feet. This project should’ve gone before the planning commission and all the necessary FCC requirements completed. This 18 ft x 18 ft x 6 ft high solid black facility is right in the ocean view of us and our neighbors. Additionally, dish network’s report states that the facility exceeds FCC regulations in terms of frequency and power thus putting the businesses and surrounding residents in harm. We have contacted the city acting city manager, who chose to allow Marc Wiener to handle it. Our position is they know The significance of what has happened here, and the cities exposure due to Marc Wiener. They want to see what we are going to do versus handling this the right way. This transpired over the course of the past couple of weeks. So was our lawsuit that I was referring to. I hope that helps cleared up for you.
Having worked with Marc for four and a half years, I was shocked when I read he had been fired Wednesday afternoon. There are plenty of people who like to be critical of folks who work hard for the city and certainly no one is perfect. However those who constantly criticize city hall are the ones who are not in the trenches on a daily basis. They offer nothing but vitriol and disdain for anyone who is not aligned with their personal agendas. Marc came to the city at a time when the gentleman who occupied the position was leaving due to health issues and had left the department with a lot to be desired. Marc made giant steps to clean things up not only with the operations of the department but mended our broken relationship with the coastal commission. He streamlined processes and was an even keel with in city hall regardless of those who viewed him with a dark light. Our community has lost a real advocate for change and positive progress that this community has needed for decades. To those who have created an environment of pure vitriol and hate, shame on you. We may all disagreed on direction and change but disrespecting a person with Marc’s integrity is beyond common decency. I for one will miss Marc and his gentle nature and expertise.
Michelle – I was forwarded George Weis’ email last night, I could feel his excitement through the screen as I was reading it. As we all know he has a tendency to violate the brown act. I wonder who encouraged residents to sue the city in order to create a problem for which termination was the only solution. These are textbook bullying tactics used by Village Laguna and the other groups that are affiliated with them, including Laguna residents first, which Weis founded.
MJ – city council hired Mr Weiner, not the old CM.
In 2021, multiple stop work orders were issued for unpermitted work at the Hotel Laguna. Although just a few blocks away from city hall, it was passersby–not leaders–who alerted the city about the former operator’s actions. This was just days after the Coastal Commission found “substantial errors with Laguna Beach’s approval process.” https://www.lagunabeachindy.com/city-orders-work-at-hotel-laguna-to-halt-ahead-of-state-hearing/ According to Transparent California, the Laguna Beach Director of Community Director was compensated in pay and benefits totaling $321,938.42.
Liz,
Why is it you need somebody to blame for Marc Wiener’s departure? I responded back to you this morning because I thought you were actually open to listening to your fellow neighbor, and honestly wanted to know why. Thank you for getting me to open my heart up and share our experience which have taken a portion of our lives, and hundreds of hours to fight simply because of Marc Wiener dare I say, corruptness, who, by the way, exposes our city to litigation and severe fines that we would’ve had to pay it not for us.
It’s hard for me to understand how you could. Ignore what I’ve said. Now you’re doubling down and blaming George Weiss. That says so much about who you are and your true motivations.
Jorg, vitriol and hate started in 2018 when Blake was elected, and when he and his development buddy were enabled by Whalen and Kepf.
Wiener’s failure to follow CEQA, federal and state laws did massive damage to our canyons, greenbelt, safety and property rights. Marc was an agent for the baton passers who are the ones that next need to be investigated.
Frankly you do not know how many of us residents are in our trenches every day to clean up the costly mess this city is in as multiple litigations loom. Lets just be honest, Wiener got fired and paid to leave quietly. Had he been wise he could have been looking for a new city to take his talents too late last year. He will find a city that doesn’t require standards and ethics and will fit like a glove. He has been right at the top of my “those that needed to go elsewhere” list this past two years.
Three positive exits this past half year. Bravo to those that know the difference between good and bad and act on that. Lots more work ahead this election year. Let’s vote in good people and appoint ethical people to boards and commissions. Our DRB needs a radical makeover.
Without George Weiss we’d have no voice in Council. Onward.
Liz – Thanks. To my knowledge our City Council selects/hires a City Manager and Legal Counsel.
From the CLB website. “The City of Laguna Beach is a full-service City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Meaning, the City Council provides overall policy direction and appoints a City Manager to implement the policies. In turn, the City Manager forms an executive team to direct the departments that service the community. The City Manager’s Office coordinates policy implementation, oversees the City’s administrative function, and provides leadership for operational departments.”
As for CDD Marc Weiner – he was hired November 28, 2019 by then CM John Pietig and served under CM Shohreh Dupuis.
Please don’t accuse Sean Joyce of working with members of the public “behind the scenes” to remove Marc Wiener, unless you have evidence to support your speculation. Baseless accusations are unhelpful and unfair.
It is incredibly unusual for a local government to remove two key staff leaders so close together. Laguna Beach has a more sensible Council now. It proceeds with caution. For Marc Wiener to be out so suddenly suggests that something was very much awry and that it needed to be addressed immediately.
Hi Liz, I hope you feel my excitement through this screen because I’ve been celebrating since I heard! Cleaning out the swamp that has been in the city is the best thing that could happen for our city. I’ve lived here for a long time, and we all knew that Sweetwater had contaminates under it, they all do, it’s too costly to remove it so it was all buried. Only the long-time locals know that kind of stuff, so I thank Village Laguna for what they do and I’m not a member.
Ms. Slater: Are you new to town? I can’t find you on any common sites or lists where Laguna Beach residents typically are found. If you’re new to town, maybe you don’t have the full picture and should hold-off on commenting. If you’re a fake name hiding your real identity, then I’d suggest your intentions are to be questioned.
Thanks Tony Fisch for recognizing when the community division and attacks on residents in our city began.
Former CC member Peter Blake was the aggressive bully put in place to fulfill the uncivil goals of the Liberate Laguna PAC created and funded by Michael Ray, Sam Goldstein, Cindy Shopoff and Mo Honarker.
Appointments to two Boards and Commissions followed including the appointment of artist Jorg Dubin to our City Planning Commission. No engineering or city planning experience or qualifications to serve. Being a close friend of Blake secured him a seat. Makes sense he would discount those that don’t operate this way or respect such blatant abuse of power by our elected’s.
Fully agree that changes to some boards and commissions, especially DRB and Planning Commission are in order. In addition, I feel those applying should be required to divulge if they donated campaign funds to specific council members or served on their campaigns in any capacity.
Best practices in city governing should include full transparency.
Ms Jurca said, It is incredibly unusual for a local government to remove two key staff leaders so close together. For Marc Wiener to be out so suddenly suggests that something was very much awry and that it needed to be addressed immediately.
It is my opinion that our Council needs to self investigate like Bell, Anaheim and LA. Severance for non-disclosure can indicate there are issues council is withholding from the voters and us tax payers. We have a right to know. Do we need to demand this through petition?
Everyone who has worked around at least 11 separate municipal Community Development Directors (by that I mean 11 of the 12 different cities in SOC), please raise your virtual space hands?
Water utilities for those cities?
I have: LB, Irvine, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, San Juan Capo, Mission Viejo, Dana Point and San Clemente.
These cities & utilities churn these people over, they’re expendable, along with other appointed staff.
And their employment is at the whim or discretion of their superiors, they decide competency or a good fit.
So whiners about his exit should stop throwing them (fits).
Sunrise, sunset.
They cometh, they goeth.
They returneth to the sea of jobs that awaiteth them or they verily becometh forsooth consultants and advisors.
Those niches are being churned all around us, why many here are so naive, so parochial and unworldly eludes me.
Read Ecclesiastes 1:5-11. I’m no Christian but it nicely sums up these capitalistic, competitive society predicaments.
These expendables know that, it’s like the Marines: Another duty station awaits them—unless of course they’re indicted.
Which still in our age still isn’t a career killer (think politicians).
When let go it’s “moved on for other opportunities,” or “retired to spend more time with the family.”
Whatevs.
It’s a musical chairs situation.
If they’re competent and qualified, they usually make more $$$ elsewhere.
Grieving about Marc W. or any of these people is a waste of time.
They make hefty 6 figure salaries with perks and bennies.
They’re in a competitive field, it’s ALWAYS next man/woman up.
If he WAS so great, shown the door illegitimately (wrongfully terminated), do as our local legendary folk heroine Shoreh Dupuis did: Threaten litigation and leverage serious ducats like she did.
That too is part of the municipal or county or state level employment game btw.
Geez, those ticked off need to wake up and smell the reality coffee instead of drinking their own kool-aid.
“Play it as it lays.” Native Californian Joan Didion
Holy Moly! The spirit of prolific comments indicate anybody that doesn’t agree, doen’t know and doesn’t serve should not have a job. This dysfunction is so severe as indicated by the volume of commenters who can’t get real jobs so they have a surplus of time crucify those who can. What’s nice about this digital media and Nextdoor and Facebook is that we can rely on the Peter Principle tendency for City employees to rise in the hierarchy through promotion until they reach a level of respective incompetence. Any qualified professional interested in having an executive job will not apply as they wouldn’t submit to such pettiness from gossip mongers.
Dear Matt:
I am a professional and DO have a job howsabout you, care to be transparent, divulge your expertise or employment history?
My client portfolio over the years, though certainly not exhaustive, is as follows:
Water utilities like South Coast Water District (2017–2023) and the largest in SOC, Santa Margarita Water District (2011–today).
The Sierra Club Task Force out in the Santa Ana Mountains.
The HOA in Lytle Creek Wash near the Cajon Pass.
HOA (Morrell Canyon Creek) near the Candy Store up near El Cariso on the Ortega Highway.
HOAs and non-profits out in Lake Elsinore.
Voices of Monarch Beach (a coalition of 6 HOAs in the Salt Creek Corridor).
Stop The Toll Road (San Clemente).
This doesn’t include the thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of $$$ I’m out because I’ve been the one to find or provide out of my own pocket funding for my NGO, Clean Water Now (Established in 1998).
Your community service is what?
Funny, I don’t feel dysfunctional……maybe I need to check my horoscope, see if Mercury is in retrograde?
And I think Peter Blake is pretty much Laguna’s poster child for your mentioned Peter Principal.
Mr Kroenig: Are you new to town? I can’t find you on any common sites or lists where Laguna Beach residents typically are found. If you’re new to town, maybe you don’t have the full picture and should hold-off on commenting. If you’re a fake name hiding your real identity, then I’d suggest your intentions are to be questioned.