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Los Angeles Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Sound decibels to be measured when Irvine Bowl hosts concerts during Coast Film & Music Festival
Two nights of live concerts in November will serve as further opportunity for sound testing at the Irvine Bowl on Laguna Canyon Road as the city of Laguna Beach seeks to refine its noise policy for events at the venue. The City Council this week voted unanimously to authorize a three-day suspension of the noise policy from Nov. 7 through Nov. 9, which coincides with the final days of the seventh annual Coast Film & Music Festival. Laguna Beach has shown interest in having more events at the Irvine Bowl, which is located on the Festival of Arts grounds. Under a lease agreement with the city, the Festival of Arts has exclusive rights to the amphitheater from May 1 through the end of the period during which the venue is largely dedicated to the Pageant of the Masters. The Irvine Bowl noise policy, established in February of 2020, dictates that sound levels should not exceed 70 decibels at the neighborhood sound boundary. In April of this year, the City Council approved a $22,220 contract with Rincon Consultants, Inc. to study decibel levels, an agreement that could rise to as much as $27,000 if an option was exercised for a representative event ambient noise study. The consulting firm simulated a concert at the venue on June 13, measuring sound from several locations. The location of the meters included the east end of Olive Street, which was identified as the closest location to the neighborhood sound boundary. The four meters were placed at a range of 150 feet to 600 feet from the stage, with one aiming to capture sound levels in the adjacent open space area. The council has approved an additional budget of up to $15,000 for the consultant to measure and analyze the sound recorded during the real-life concerts. The cheering coming from a crowd was among the variables that could not be replicated in the June test. Council representatives will also collaborate with an informal working group to outline best practices for a formal sound and use policy for concerts at the Irvine Bowl. The Santa Barbara Bowl was discussed as a possible venue to help guide those recommendations. 'Ultimately, what we're doing is, I believe, what the [Irvine Bowl policy] committee was supportive of unanimously, which is waiving the [noise] policy as it relates to this one concert,' Mayor Alex Rounaghi said. 'Then we can use this concert as a case study to figure out what the right decibel limits are, so that we could perhaps have maybe six to eight live music concerts a year, which I think would be great for the community.' Ben Warner, who along with Enich Harris co-founded the Coast Film & Music Festival, said festival organizers plan to provide a sound and lighting system from a third party and build a temporary stage over the orchestra pit. The Coast Film Foundation requested a maximum sound level of 110 decibels from a front-of-house location for its scheduled concerts. Warner promised benefit concerts with 'world-class bands' on the Saturday and Sunday during which the sound policy would be waived. He wouldn't reveal the bands just yet but said the performers have already been booked. 'This can serve as a test case for sound logistics and feedback, showing what's possible when we work together,' Warner said. 'Let's bring the Bowl back to life for the artists, for the local economy, and for the heart of Laguna Beach.' The council heard from several speakers who supported having music performed live in the Irvine Bowl. Resident Conner Cooper appealed to the council by detailing the scene at Bluebird Park over the Fourth of July weekend, when the ska and rock band Party Foul played to lead off Music in the Park, a free public concert series held on Sundays in July and August. 'Looking down into the park, seeing everyone dance and sing along is just something that you can't get anywhere else,' Cooper said. 'That's, I think, why we're here to show our support. We want more of that. We want more dancing and singing. Yeah, it shouldn't take place every night. It should take place on special occasions, but it should take place more than it's taking place now.' The potential inconvenience of concerts on residents whose homes are above the Irvine Bowl is one concern. The effect of that sound on the surrounding wildlife in open space is another. 'My concern is that we already have a relatively limited amount of acreage, and you don't want to be in a situation where you are making habitat that's adjacent to the bowl unusable for wildlife,' Councilwoman Hallie Jones said. 'I think intermittent sound — when you have loud sound on one night — concerns me way less than development of some sort that would have consistent loud noise every night. Even if that were high-density housing, things like that, I think that could be more impactful on wildlife than a one-time event.'
USA Today
10-07-2025
- USA Today
13-year-old suspected of lighting fireworks that ignited Southern California brush fire
A 13-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly lighting fireworks that likely sparked a brush fire this week in coastal Southern California, prompting evacuations and causing power outages in the area, authorities said. The blaze, dubbed the Rancho Fire, ignited at about 2:06 p.m. local time on July 7 in the hillside area of Laguna Beach, the city said in a statement. The fire scorched through dry brush and vegetation in the area and grew to about four acres, threatening nearby canyon homes, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Preliminary reports said the fire may have started from illegal fireworks, the Laguna Beach Police Department said in a statement on July 8. As the blaze spread along the hillside of Rancho Laguna — a neighborhood located above the village area that overlooks the Pacific Ocean — police said witnesses reported "seeing a juvenile in the area possibly involved in setting off fireworks." Laguna Beach police rangers initially detained two juveniles who were later determined to be witnesses, not suspects, according to police. Officers later obtained video evidence that they said showed a "juvenile suspect lighting a firework and fleeing the scene." After further investigation, police said they identified the suspect as a 13-year-old boy and obtained search warrants for his arrest and the seizure of electronic devices. The boy was then taken into custody on suspicion of felony reckless burning of forest land. "Due to the absence of any injuries or immediate threat to structures, Orange County Juvenile Hall would not accept the suspect for booking," according to police. "He was processed at the Laguna Beach Police Department and released to the custody of his parents." The case will be submitted to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for review and the possible filing of criminal charges, police added. Laguna Beach, a tony Southern California city known for its vibrant beach scene and art gallery district, is about 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. As of 2024, the city has a population of more than 22,500 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 2025 got off to a deadly start: How bad will wildfire season be in the US this year? Laguna Beach fire fully contained by July 9 Laguna Beach police said detectives were continuing to work with the Laguna Beach Fire Department and the Orange County Fire Authority to investigate the fire's origin. About 200 firefighters, five helicopters, two planes, and drones were used to battle the blaze, said Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King. While no injuries or damages were reported, the blaze forced the evacuations of about a hundred homes in the Arch Beach Heights neighborhood, according to Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi. The fire broke out in the Bluebird Canyon area, which had been recently approved for fuel-reduction work through hand crews, the mayor said in an update on July 7. In addition to the evacuations, several roads were closed, and the city reported an intermittent loss of power in the area. The evacuation order was lifted at around 7:30 p.m. on July 7, according to the city. The fire, which was mapped at 4.6 acres, was fully contained by 8 a.m. on July 9, and all roads that had been closed were reopened to traffic, the city said. Laguna Beach officials have spent $25 million over the past several years in compliance with a 2019 fire mitigation plan, the Los Angeles Times reported. Following the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County earlier this year, city officials updated the plan and aimed to improve fire safety. "The effectiveness of the City's fuel modification zones (FMZ) was also evident, with vegetation clearing along the ridgeline helping to slow the fire's progression," according to the city. "Notably, the FMZ closest to the fire was recently approved and installed." Wildfire season: Western US braces for fiery Fourth Blaze comes amid heightened fire risk The Laguna Beach fire had put residents on edge after a series of blazes devastated parts of Los Angeles County earlier this year. The blaze was one of more than a dozen wildfires that sparked across California in recent weeks, according to the latest Cal Fire data. A fast-moving wildfire in central California, called the Madre Fire, became the largest in the state so far this year. The fire broke out on July 2 and scorched through a remote area in southeastern San Luis Obispo County. As of July 9, the Madre Fire had grown to over 80,600 acres and was about 62% contained, according to Cal Fire. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned on July 9 that high temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees were expected in inland areas. The agency noted that there was an "elevated to brief critical fire danger" for interior and southwest Santa Barbara County. "Dangerous heat possible next Tuesday through Friday, especially away from the coast," the weather service said in a post on X. "There will also be elevated fire weather concerns with an increased risk of grass fires in the mountains, deserts, and interior valleys." Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Laguna Beach fire: Suspected cause of Rancho Fire released as teen arrested
The Brief A brush fire sparked in Laguna Beach on the afternoon of Monday, July 7. Firefighters quickly stopped the forward progress of the fire. Officials said they believe fireworks were the cause. They later announced a teen was arrested in connection with the fire. LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. - Authorities announced on Tuesday that a 13-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a fire that broke out on Monday afternoon in Laguna Beach, prompting evacuations. Suspect taken into custody City officials said as the fire spread, witnesses told authorities they saw a teen in the area who may have been setting off fireworks. Two teens were detained for questioning. However, officials later determined they were witnesses. Later in the investigation, Laguna Beach officers obtained video footage that showed another teen lighting a firework before he left the scene. Detectives located the teen suspect who was taken into custody for felony reckless burning of forest land. However, since no injuries were reported and there was no immediate threat to structures, Orange County Juvenile Hall would not accept the suspect for booking. The case will be submitted to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. What we know The Rancho Fire erupted around 2:10 p.m., near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive. By 5 p.m., city officials said crews successfully stopped the forward progress of the fire after having burned four acres. While providing an update to the community, Mayor Alex Rounaghi said the fire is believed to have been started by fireworks. Fire officials said emergency crews acted quickly and made good progress controlling the flames. By Tuesday, the fire reached 4.6 acres and was 95% contained. Evacuation orders were issued for residents on Summit Drive, La Mirada Street, Baja Street, and Katella Street. The Arch Beach Heights neighborhood was also under an evacuation warning. An evacuation center was established at the Susi Q Center at 380 Third St. Around 7:30 p.m., all evacuation orders were lifted and residents were allowed to return home. SUGGESTED:6 months later: Eaton Fire victims continue to face challenges The Source Information for this story came from the City of Laguna Beach.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Brush fire prompts evacuations in Laguna Beach; investigation ongoing
First responders have stopped a brush fire that prompted evacuations in Southern California, authorities said, putting residents on edge after a series of blazes devastated the region earlier this year. The fire began in the city of Laguna Beach at about 2:15 p.m. local time on July 7 and grew to four acres, threatening nearby homes, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, though an active investigation is underway. Laguna Beach, a tony Southern California city known for its vibrant beach scene and art gallery district, is about 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It has a population of more than 22,500 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Crews halted the fire from expanding further at 5 p.m., Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi confirmed at a news conference. Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said the forward progress was stopped at about four acres, the Orange County Register reported. The fire is not fully contained, with Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King adding that crews expect to battle the blaze for the next 24 to 48 hours. He clarified that hand crews would be working through the night to prevent reignition. "They have to go through meticulously and put out all the embers. They've lined the entire perimeter of the fire with a hose line and they're going to make sure they start working from the outside in," King said. By around 7:30 p.m. local time, the City of Laguna Beach announced that all evacuation orders due to the fire had been lifted. The city advised residents to return to their homes with caution as firefighting personnel and resources were still working in the area. The city also reported that there was intermittent loss of power in the area, which was estimated to return at about 9:30 p.m. All public roadways are open as of the evening of July 7, according to Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert. "We're working toward containment so this fire doesn't take off again within a couple of days," King said at the news conference. Rounaghi said officials will review the situation and discuss how the city could prepare for future blazes, adding: "The question is not if but when the next wildfire happens." "We have to continue to remain vigilant and learning for best practices of how we keep everyone safe in this community," he said. Laguna Beach officials have spent $25 million over the past several years in compliance with a 2019 fire mitigation plan, the Los Angeles Times reported. Following the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County earlier this year, city officials updated the plan and aim to improve fire safety. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Laguna Beach fire prompts evacuations as investigators probe cause
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Brush fire prompts evacuations in Laguna Beach; investigation ongoing
First responders have stopped a brush fire that prompted evacuations in Southern California, authorities said, putting residents on edge after a series of blazes devastated the region earlier this year. The fire began in the city of Laguna Beach at about 2:15 p.m. local time on July 7 and grew to four acres, threatening nearby homes, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, though an active investigation is underway. Laguna Beach, a tony Southern California city known for its vibrant beach scene and art gallery district, is about 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It has a population of more than 22,500 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Crews halted the fire from expanding further at 5 p.m., Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi confirmed at a news conference. Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said the forward progress was stopped at about four acres, the Orange County Register reported. The fire is not fully contained, with Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King adding that crews expect to battle the blaze for the next 24 to 48 hours. He clarified that hand crews would be working through the night to prevent reignition. "They have to go through meticulously and put out all the embers. They've lined the entire perimeter of the fire with a hose line and they're going to make sure they start working from the outside in," King said. By around 7:30 p.m. local time, the City of Laguna Beach announced that all evacuation orders due to the fire had been lifted. The city advised residents to return to their homes with caution as firefighting personnel and resources were still working in the area. The city also reported that there was intermittent loss of power in the area, which was estimated to return at about 9:30 p.m. All public roadways are open as of the evening of July 7, according to Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert. "We're working toward containment so this fire doesn't take off again within a couple of days," King said at the news conference. Rounaghi said officials will review the situation and discuss how the city could prepare for future blazes, adding: "The question is not if but when the next wildfire happens." "We have to continue to remain vigilant and learning for best practices of how we keep everyone safe in this community," he said. Laguna Beach officials have spent $25 million over the past several years in compliance with a 2019 fire mitigation plan, the Los Angeles Times reported. Following the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County earlier this year, city officials updated the plan and aim to improve fire safety. See California wildfires map US Wildfire, smoke map
