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Police Log: Week of April 18 to 24
Thursday, April 18
DUI, driving on a suspended license. Kevin Johan Velazquez, 21, of Anaheim, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence with a suspended license. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Jordan Clawson Latham, 46, of Anaheim was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding felony bench warrant. He was held without...
Tickets going fast for Laguna Beach Garden Club’s annual Gate & Garden Tour
Laguna Beach Garden Club is gearing up for its popular Gate & Garden Tour on Saturday, May 4.
The annual event, which has sold out for three years in a row, features a thoughtful curation of Laguna Beach’s unique neighborhood gardens, all conveniently within walking distance of each other.
"We usually...
Forest Avenue Promenade plan ignites debate over resident inclusion
By Jackie Connor, Special to the Independent
Despite some dissent, Laguna Beach City Council agreed to a final plan from April to November to move the $2.7 million Forest Avenue Promenade project toward a more permanent state at their regular meeting on Tuesday.
However, some council members expressed concerns about the...
Laguna photographer to share personal retrospective of California counterculture
The Music History Hall Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving American music, will celebrate the music, fashion and culture of Southern California Music Festivals from 1968 to 1971 in a special one-night-only event at the Rivian South Coast Theater on May 3.
Through never-before-seen personal photographs by Laguna Beach...
Drone light show to replace July 4 fireworks
The Laguna Beach night sky will look a little different this Fourth of July as the city council unanimously approved a drone light show instead of traditional fireworks at Tuesday's regular meeting.
The July 4 drone show will be on a one-year trial basis, allowing the city to return to...
Laguna Beach police release crime stats for 2023
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...
LBHS grad lands silver screen role
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...
LAM’s upcoming ‘What’s it Worth’ event to focus on jewelry
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...
Opinion: Concerning City Council
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...
Police Log: Week of April 11 to 17
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...