Laguna Beach Local News

Report Shows Overall Decrease in Violent and Property Crimes since 2021 The Laguna Beach Police Department reported violent and property crimes were down by seven percent in 2023, marking the third year in a row the city has seen an overall decrease.  "This year's crime statistics demonstrate the outstanding efforts of our police...

By Tasmin McGill, Special to the Independent Recent Laguna Beach High School graduate Meg O'Connell, known as Meg Millidge on the big screen, is set to play a supporting role in her biggest project yet, "The Idea of You," a romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Millidge read about...

By Tasmin McGill, Special to the Independent Curious about that special brooch passed down from grandma? The Laguna Art Museum (LAM) has teamed up with John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers once again for “What’s it Worth?” – Jewelry Edition. Experienced and novice collectors alike can bring their fine jewelry, couture jewelry, designer jewelry, Native...

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...