City of Laguna Beach Partners With Laguna Ocean Foundation, Cal Poly Pomona, Visit Laguna Beach and

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – As part of Laguna Beach’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship and manage visitor impacts, the City of Laguna Beach and Laguna Ocean Foundation have partnered with California State Polytechnic University Pomona’s Environmental Design College, Visit Laguna Beach and SWA Group, to develop strategies that protect the city’s coastal resources while balancing the needs of residents and visitors. This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Laguna Beach Stewardship and Visitor Impact Ad Hoc Committee, established by the Laguna Beach City Council, to create a comprehensive Local Stewardship Action Plan. 
 
The partnership project with Cal Poly Pomona focuses on implementing key policies from the City’s General Plan that address visitor management and coastal resource protection. Specifically, the collaboration aims to advance two major components: 
 
1. Developing a Coastal Resources Database - Cal Poly Pomona students are actively compiling a database of Laguna Beach’s coastal resources, integrating data from the City of Laguna Beach, the Laguna Ocean Foundation, and other sources. This resource will serve as a foundation for future environmental and visitor management planning. 
 
2. Strategic Planning for Visitor Management - With an estimated 9 million annual visitors, traditional education and docent outreach efforts alone cannot fully mitigate environmental impacts to Laguna Beach coastal resources. The students, mentored by SWA Group, will analyze the database and explore ways to redirect visitors away from sensitive coastal areas toward more visitor-friendly locations that offer amenities such as restrooms, parking, and food services.
 
Armed with the information gathered, the Stewardship and Visitor Impact Ad Hoc Committee will be able to develop policies and initiatives that better manage visitor impact. This will also help guide joint efforts with Visit Laguna Beach to reduce visitor traffic in high-impact areas and encourage visitors to show more respect and appreciation for the Laguna Beach environment.
 
“Protecting our coastal resources requires innovative solutions and community involvement,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, co-chair of the Laguna Beach Stewardship and Visitor Impact Ad Hoc Committee. “By partnering with Cal Poly Pomona students and local experts, we are paving the way for practical strategies that safeguard our environment while enhancing the Laguna Beach experience for residents and visitors alike.”
 
Community Invited to Engage with the Students & Share Your Insights 
 
As part of their research visit, a faculty member and 19 students from Cal Poly Pomona will be in Laguna Beach from February 10 – 13, 2025, conducting field studies, research, and discussions. The community is invited to engage with the students at a special event. This interactive session, called the “Laguna Blueprint Studio”, will provide residents an opportunity to learn about Laguna Beach’s coastal resources, share insights, and contribute to the discussion with the Cal Poly research group on how to protect and enhance the city’s natural environment. 
 
If you’re going:
 
What: “Laguna Blueprint Studio” Community Discussion on Natural Resources
When: Monday, February 10, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Community and Susi Q Center
 
This project is a collaborative effort led by the Laguna Ocean Foundation, in partnership with Cal Poly Pomona, the City of Laguna Beach, Visit Laguna Beach and SWA Group. Special thanks to the sponsors of the research initiative including the Lost Pier Café, C’est La Vie Restaurant, and 14 West Hotel.