Laguna Beach City Council Appoints 12 Residents to City Committees

With seats expiring on most of the Laguna City Committees, the city council voted in 12 new residents to serve the community. 

The Laguna Beach City Council has recently made appointments to various city committees, selecting a total of 12 residents to serve in these important roles. These appointments mark a significant step in ensuring community involvement and representation in the decision-making process. The newly appointed residents will contribute their skills, expertise, and perspectives to the committees, playing a vital role in shaping the city's policies and initiatives.

The appointed residents will serve on a range of committees, addressing various aspects of city governance and administration. From planning and development to public safety and environmental sustainability, these committees play a crucial role in addressing the needs and priorities of the community. The Council's decision to appoint residents to these committees underscores the importance of citizen engagement and participation in local government.

The appointments were decided after approximately 20 interviews were conducted, giving each applicant the opportunity to share why they wished to serve on the committee of their choice. Each individual appointed by the City Council will serve on their respective committees for two years, beginning on April 1, 2024. 

The City Council is known to make additional appointments throughout the year. Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf commented to the applicants who were not chosen: “To those of you who are not selected, don’t give up.” Kempf encouraged those not chosen to apply again the following year. 

Of all committees with open seats, the  Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee was the most popular with a total of ten applicants wanting to serve. Among the applicants was Simon Sproule, who was unanimously voted in for his 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. During his interview, Spoule commented, “It was such a different world in the mobility space,” referring to when he moved to Laguna Beach in 2001. Sproule emphasized his commitment to using his expertise to help accommodate the changing needs of the city. 

The Recreation Committee was also a favorite amongst applicants with a total of seven residents having the desire to serve. The committee currently has nine people serving, with two alternates. With five seats expiring on March 31, the council voted to reduce the number of residents serving on this committee by giving the two alternates a seat, eliminating two of the seats, and choosing one applicant from the seven for the remaining seat. The Recreation Committee is now a seven-seat committee. 

Some of the remaining committees included the Environmental Sustainability Committee, which was also voted to reduce the number of seats from nine to seven, the Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board, the Heritage Committee, and the View Restoration Committee. 

As these newly appointed residents assume their roles on city committees, they will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the betterment of their community. Their dedication and commitment to serving the public interest will help ensure that the city continues to thrive and prosper. Through their collective efforts, they will work towards building a brighter future for all residents of the city.