Stu News Laguna's Fair Game with Tom Johnson and Mayor Alex Rounaghi | December 11, 2025

This City of Laguna Beach meeting held on December 11, 2025, featured discussions with Mayor Alex Rounaghi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orle, and City Attorney Megan Gabaldi. Key procurement-related topics included the city's efforts to improve government efficiency, particularly in the permitting process, with plans for a comprehensive code update and design review efficiency ordinance to streamline approvals. The city is also advancing capital projects such as the construction of a new seismically sound South Laguna Fire Station and local water infrastructure improvements, including a new well in Fountain Valley that will save ratepayers $800,000 annually. Legal challenges related to housing laws were addressed, including a recent $2.5 million settlement over a housing accountability act lawsuit, highlighting the city's focus on compliance to avoid costly litigation. The city attorney's office, now in-house, aims to reduce litigation costs and improve legal risk management. Overall, the meeting emphasized ongoing infrastructure investments, regulatory compliance with complex state housing and coastal laws, and initiatives to enhance city services and cultural vitality ahead of Laguna Beach's 100th anniversary in 2027.