It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Pirate Tower gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Laguna Beach, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89”
“The VA had brought in caregivers for my father from Always Best Care Newport Beach.”
“Always Best was always professional and went out of their way to make my dad”
“Had a good experience with this care provider, my father needed home care doing daily”
“My sister and I feel so fortunate to have found Phuong at ABC Care when”
“The caregivers were a Godsend for me. Allowed me to breath and get away. Caregivers”
“My uncle received care through Always Best Care and I always knew he was in”
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker . She has taken care of me for almost a year. She has helped me shower , dress me , do light house work , helped me walk and even helped me after my surgeries and recovery . I don’t know what I would’ve done without her . She is an amazing human with the biggest heart . ❤️”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were so great and helpful in their own way. If I requested one,,as I did many a time, she would do her best to honor my request. I highly reccommend her and Best Care.”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family. The caretakers and this company came highly recommended from a friend and now I understand why. This business has been very accommodating and understanding and has tremendous experience. Every individual has unique needs and this company does its best to harmonize with the customers needs. We worked with Karla,Ronny,Michelle and Betsy. Dementia and Alzheimer's are very cruel ailments and ABC came through for us to help take care of my father's needs and to take pressure off of my mother by helping with daily tasks.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team are the best. Phuong knew what my mother needed even before we did, as she knows the business front and back. She also has a compassionate heart. The only reason we stopped was because my mother could never return home and needed to be placed in a home. My mother loved her home and was grateful she could live there with the help of Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened. Phuong was adaptable and worked with us regarding scheduling, doctor appointments and any other needs we had with our in-home care. I would definitely recommend Phuong and her team with any home healthcare needs.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7 days a week care so the caregivers became part of our family! Not every caregiver was a good fit but Phoung was flexible and worked to insure our days went as smoothly as possible. I have recommended Always Best Care to friends and they have been thrilled with the care the are receiving.”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and my husbands time positive.”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I arrived home, not being able to do much. I was completely frustrated, then, Always Best Care of came to my rescue! The ladies that came out were extremely helpful, kind, considerate, and understanding. Each week, they would jump in and do things that were absolutely impossible for me to do. I’m very independent, but they helpe me to relax, take it easy and let them handle anything I needed. I am so very grateful for this wonderful service.”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing the staff and clients to assure the experience on both ends exceeds their expectations. It's a great place to work and give back to your community.”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves service provided to a loved one. But where service received becomes an overwhelmingly pleasant experience, the task becomes an easier one. Such is the feeling I have as I look back at the almost three years of care my late husband received from the caregivers provided by the Veterans Administration through the Always Best Care Agency. Of special mention was a very nice lady by the name of Claudette LaCaille, a pre-school teacher by profession who was one of the caregivers that unselfishly cared for him. Not only did she patiently attend to his needs---she provided a genuine companionship to him and great comfort and understanding to me. It made this painful period of my life bearable and easier to accept and cope with. I am also very grateful to the agency’s owner, Nguyen Phuong, for granting my request to send caregivers who could come consistently on a regular schedule. It made him feel like familiar friends were visiting him on a regular basis. I highly recommend the Always Best Care Senior Services and wish their caregiving heroes and heroines the best of health and good fortune now and always.”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital & rehab stay. Thank you for sending Karla for my care.”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a caregiving service after 3 years of doing it myself. Alway Best Care of Fountain Valley is the company that was designated to us. Phuong does a spectacular job in finding the best people possible to fit into a caregiving roll. What impressed me most is the fact that when a caregiver cannot make the scheduled appointment, Phuong does not allow us to be without caregiving service, if she cannot find a replacement she steps up and performs the duties herself. She is most helpful in assisting with regular caregiving service and does not feel it below her to chip in with light housekeeping chores. BRAVO Ms Phuong, your company’s service is the best.”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend’s personality and to myself to handle his care. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. I was not also easy to deal with being the person in charge to my friend. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude. Penny Byram Westminster”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend's personality as well as to myself. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude.”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They were professional, courteous and kind in their provision of personal care. Many thanks to their staff.”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved one, I reached out to Always Best Care. From our first phone conversation, Phuong was incredibly helpful, highly professional, informative, and kind. She assisted us with getting care for my family member at home and recently helped us with transitioning her into a senior board and care facility. Phuong understood our needs and made the process super smooth and stress free. She always responds to emails and phone calls promptly and is a true gem. I highly recommend Always Best Care and could not be more pleased with the outstanding level of service Phuong provided.”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89 y.o.father, with a different care giver each visit. However as time progressed, the caregivers became more regular and his very favorite became Lauren! He is loving his in-home-care with the kindness and concern each of the caregivers show him.”
“The VA had brought in caregivers for my father from Always Best Care Newport Beach. All team members working with my father 2 days per week were wonderful. My father especially liked Karla and gave her high compliments. The entire team of caregivers from ABC were a blessing to my father and his wife. Thank you for your service. ????”
“Always Best was always professional and went out of their way to make my dad who was 88 feel special and took great care of him. They would accommodate our schedule and came to work on time. They cleaned the house and took great care of Werner. He was not always easy to work with but the staff had patients for him and for me. Always following up with my texts and phone calls. It was such a relief to know I could leave for work in the morning and they would be there to get dad up and started for the day. We were grateful for all they did for him. Debbie Stroman”
“Had a good experience with this care provider, my father needed home care doing daily living activities. The company is great and the help is better.”
“My sister and I feel so fortunate to have found Phuong at ABC Care when we were looking for care for my mother. Over many years of her helping us, Phuong never let us down and her team was professional, responsible and caring. If you are looking for someone to care for your loved one with compassion and consistency I would highly recommend Phuong. She is very hard working, was always accessible to us and takes personal responsibility for her team. We were so grateful to have her helping us with our mom.”
“The caregivers were a Godsend for me. Allowed me to breath and get away. Caregivers we're friendly, helpful around house, great conversation with my dad, really made his day!!! Caregivers helped with my dads quality of life”
“My uncle received care through Always Best Care and I always knew he was in good hands. When the need for care increased, they were able to answer that need immediately . It felt like having extended family looking after my uncle.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Top of the World Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Loft or visit Top of the World, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Laguna Beach, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Laguna Beach, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Laguna Beach, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Let us face it, when people think of California beach towns, they picture Malibu mansions and million-dollar bungalows. But not every ocean-view address comes with an eye-watering price tag.If you are dreaming of sand, surf, and a coastal lifestyle without going broke, 2025 is your moment. There are still quiet, walkable beach towns with real community feel and price points under $700K. Here are five worth knowing.Median home price: ~$550,000Tucked ...
Let us face it, when people think of California beach towns, they picture Malibu mansions and million-dollar bungalows. But not every ocean-view address comes with an eye-watering price tag.
If you are dreaming of sand, surf, and a coastal lifestyle without going broke, 2025 is your moment. There are still quiet, walkable beach towns with real community feel and price points under $700K. Here are five worth knowing.
Median home price: ~$550,000
Tucked between Pismo Beach and Grover Beach, Oceano is peaceful, walkable, and literally steps from the ocean. Bonus: the nearby Oceano Dunes offer some of the best off-roading and sand-surfing fun in the state.
Why it is a win: Low-key coastal living with prime access to the Central Coast lifestyle.
Median home price: ~$600,000
A postcard-perfect fishing village known for Morro Rock and harbor views. It is ideal for retirees and creatives seeking peace, kayaking, and community farmers markets.
Why it is a win: Laid-back living + natural beauty + charming downtown = affordable bliss.
Median home price: ~$375,000
Historic Victorian homes, misty redwood forests, and a strong arts scene define this quirky North Coast gem. It is more fog than sun, but the charm (and price point) are undeniable.
Why it is a win: California’s most affordable beach town, hands down, with unique architecture and creative culture.
Median home price: ~$675,000
The most budget-friendly beach town near San Diego. With an expanding boardwalk, improving infrastructure, and consistent surf culture, IB is becoming a smart move for city workers and first-time buyers.
Why it is a win: Affordable beach access with proximity to everything San Diego has to offer.
Median home price: ~$450,000
Known for its Glass Beach, pine-lined bluffs, and rugged coastline, Fort Bragg is perfect for nature lovers and those who do not need SoCal weather to love beach life.
Why it is a win: Privacy, scenery, and community, at a fraction of the cost.
Why These Beach Towns Make Sense in 2025
· Lower cost of living vs. traditional coastal metros· Walkable downtowns + beach access· Remote-work friendly communities· A chance to own in areas previously only rentable
In a state where $1M is often the floor for a beach home, these towns prove the dream is still accessible, with the right strategy.
Coastal Living Without the Luxury Tax
Living near the ocean does not have to mean Malibu money. These towns offer something better: lifestyle + affordability + room to grow. Whether you are making your first move or planning your last one, California still has a coastal corner for you.
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.Video footage reveals teen's alleged involvementSuspect taken into custody:City officials said as the fire spread, witnesses told authorities they saw a teen in the area who may have been set...
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.
The fire was fully contained on Wednesday.
All evacuations have been lifted and all roads are reopened.
The Source: Information for this story came from the City of Laguna Beach.
The City Council has decided to make the Promenade on Forest a permanent pedestrian plaza where people can continue to dine, gather and shop while enjoying the downtown’s tree-lined forest ambiance.A resident group had appealed the Planning Commission’s earlier support for a proposed design for the permanent features that would be built on Forest Avenue, but the council at its meeting last week denied that appeal and also declared the road from Glenneyre Street to Coast Highway a “slow street” so the city could...
The City Council has decided to make the Promenade on Forest a permanent pedestrian plaza where people can continue to dine, gather and shop while enjoying the downtown’s tree-lined forest ambiance.
A resident group had appealed the Planning Commission’s earlier support for a proposed design for the permanent features that would be built on Forest Avenue, but the council at its meeting last week denied that appeal and also declared the road from Glenneyre Street to Coast Highway a “slow street” so the city could go ahead with permanently closing it off to parking and traffic.
Born out of the pandemic as a lifeline for local businesses who could move customers outside, the Promenade on Forest has become a town gathering and shopping spot with temporary chairs, tables and a few structures surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, art shops and specialty stores. Making it permanent would include removing the curbs, sidewalks, and parking, replacing them with decorative pavers and unique landscape features.
Now a design for the promenade will be finalized, which, importantly, officials said, will help with determining a budget for the project. If all goes as planned, construction could begin in January.
“In two years, the community will celebrate the 100th anniversary” of Laguna Beach, Mayor Alex Rounaghi said. “That demands reflection on how we’ve become this unique and special place that we all love. We have to be willing to have a vision and not do things the way they’ve always been done.”
The future of Forest Avenue and the promenade has been the topic of numerous council meetings, starting in 2021 when the idea to make the promenade permanent was first considered. City leaders have solicited ideas for what the area could look like and discussed what it would take to convert it into the destination with the vibe they envisioned.
There were also at least two public workshops held to get residents and business owners’ input, and a council ad-hoc committee made up of council members Sue Kempf and Mark Orgill met with business owners twice in 2024 and once this year.
“I don’t know of any other issue that’s generated this level of interaction,” said City Manager Dave Kiff.
Some residents have been concerned about the long-term impact on traffic from closing the street, the permanent loss of 48 parking spots and the potential for negatively impacting businesses. Several have also said Forest Avenue is the historical gateway to the city’s downtown from Coast Highway and that shouldn’t be lost.
A 2022 traffic study by a city consultant said there likely wouldn’t be a “significant impact on the parking conditions throughout the weekday and weekend because the combined utilization rate of the on-street and off-street parking facilities remained under 85%.”
In April, the Planning Commission agreed closing down the street wouldn’t be an issue and approved the design concepts, but Village Laguna, a local advocacy group, appealed that decision to the City Council.
“We come from a place of truly loving Laguna Beach and wanting residents and business owners to thrive,” Merril Anderson, the group’s president, told councilmembers, adding that he and others are disappointed the council didn’t consider options other than closing off the street. “Resident engagement was limited, and business needs were ignored.”
Ann Christoph, a resident, board member of Village Laguna and former mayor, said the group initially did not take a position on the idea of the promenade because “pedestrian-oriented spaces are appealing.”
However, it became apparent during the last few years that losing the parking along the street is not ideal, she said.
“Over 100 business owners in and around Forest have signed a petition asking you not to complete this project,” she said, also raising concerns with the parking solutions the Planning Commission approved. “Losing 48 parking spaces in a parking-straved downtown cannot be replaced by using after-hours parking spaces at the library or 10 temporary spaces at the new surf museum, or some mythical program to lease private spaces elsewhere.”
She also noted that Forest Avenue, framed in its forest of eucalyptus trees, is the traditional entrance to downtown.
“Our downtown is simple, traditional and unique to Laguna,” she said. “No pedestrian mall will compensate for the loss of our historic main street.”
Christoph added concerns about flooding impacts to the area, which she said has had three “hundred-year floods” in the last 55 years.
City officials said that hydrology studies for the proposal show no negative impacts and that trench drains would capture any excess water, which would then flow to the nearby Laguna Channel and out to the ocean at Main Beach Park.
Dozens of people spoke for close to two hours at the recent City Council meeting, and more than 500 wrote in giving their opinions.
Support for the permanent mall came from the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, with its director envisioning a “vibrant town center where visitors can enjoy year-round events,” and residents can enjoy outdoor dining and a “community hub.”
Several merchants on the street spoke in support and one resident called the permanent promenade, “A vote for today and a vote for the future.”
Rick Conkey, who runs the Cultural Arts Center, said Forest Avenue is the town’s “true gathering spot.” A permanent promenade could provide more opportunities for performance and music events, he said.
Another resident group, Friends of Forest Avenue, represented by resident Pat Menne, raised many of the same concerns as well as the impact on business from the construction time and criticized city staff for not having clear cost estimates. Some questioned the city’s overall process and criticized that there were no other considerations for something that was not permanent.
Kiff explained the project’s cost is determined by the final design, which once ready will be put out for bids — that could happen later this year, he said.
He also added that if the project became too costly, the council could still nix it entirely.
Councilmember Hallie Jones agreed that local affected businesses would need support and hoped to squash a rumor that the area would be primarily devoted to restaurants.
“I want to make sure we have a really robust mix of retail and restaurants,” she said.
Councilmember Bob Whalen, who with Kempf, promoted the concept for the promenade during the pandemic, said he has always been a fan of the area being free of cars.
“It’s difficult when you have to pick a side,” he said. “We’ve been at this for a number of years. In the end, you’re left with, “Do you want cars or not?” he said. “I don’t want to see cars there.”
The Laguna Beach City Council generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.This meeting schedule can change, particularly in months with national holidays, so be sure to check the status of a meeting at the agenda link below. Make sure to check the agency’s website also for the latest protocols on in-person and/or virtual attendance.LATEST AGENDAS AND MINUTES: CLICK HERE...
The Laguna Beach City Council generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
This meeting schedule can change, particularly in months with national holidays, so be sure to check the status of a meeting at the agenda link below. Make sure to check the agency’s website also for the latest protocols on in-person and/or virtual attendance.
LATEST AGENDAS AND MINUTES: CLICK HERE
MEETING TIME: The council’s regular meeting typically begins at 5 p.m. If there are any closed session items, that portion of the meeting begins around 4 p.m.
MEETING LOCATION: 505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, California 92651.
Residents may view the meeting live on Cox cable channel 852 and online on the City of Laguna Beach website. Viewers can also listen live on Laguna Beach radio station KX FM 104.7.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Residents can submit comments in writing via mail to 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA. 92651. Public commenters can also fill out this online form or PDF form and email [email protected].
Comments are accepted no later than 3 p.m. the day before the meeting in order for the comments to be submitted to the members of the city council with sufficient time for them to review the comments.
Residents may continue to provide written comments up to 12 p.m. the day of the meeting. These comments will be provided to the council members, but they might not have enough time to review them prior to the meeting. Written comments are not read aloud during council meetings.
CURRENT OFFICIALS: Click here to see and contact the current members.
We Californians don’t often get to experience an ancient, old-world relic, so local adventurers will love to visit this hidden gem in Laguna Beach that looks straight out of a swashbuckling fairytale.This is the Victoria Beach Pirate ...
We Californians don’t often get to experience an ancient, old-world relic, so local adventurers will love to visit this hidden gem in Laguna Beach that looks straight out of a swashbuckling fairytale.
This is the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, a 60-foot-tall concrete tower with a conical roof that you’ll find butting up against a rocky cliff face.
For the more imaginative among us, it feels like stepping into a fantasy film, and for the more practically-minded, it makes for a dramatic photograph with a backdrop of crashing waves and brilliant sunsets.
Here’s the fascinating story behind the Pirate Tower of Laguna Beach.
Although it has a mysterious look, the Pirate Tower’s origins are well-documented. In 1926, California Senator William E. Brown constructed the tower as a hidden staircase linking his clifftop home to the beach below.
Inspired by the castles he and his wife had seen in France after World War I, Brown gave the tower its fairytale design. The house itself, known as the Norman House, is a unique coastal lodge.
In the 1940s, Senator Brown sold the Norman House—along with the tower—to retired Navy officer Harold Kendrick. Kendrick was known as a vocal pirate aficionado, and his penchant for storytelling, combined with his tendency to dress in pirate clothing, naturally led the locals to call the structure “Pirate Tower.”
Over the years, the property changed ownership multiple times and was most recently owned by Hollywood star Bette Midler. Today, both the home and the Pirate Tower are still privately owned.
The Pirate Tower is located on Victoria Beach in the city of Laguna Beach, California. To reach it, head to the beach access stairs located at 2700 Victoria Drive, near the end of Sunset Terrace. From there, descend the staircase to the sand, then walk to the right—climbing over rocks and rounding the bend—to discover the iconic tower.
Be advised that the Pirate Tower is not accessible at high tide.
The Pirate Tower is private property and is kept locked. You can walk up to the structure, but you cannot go inside it.
Parking is notoriously difficult around this residential part of Laguna Beach. Most visitors end up parking along Pacific Coast Highway and then walk to Victoria Beach from there.
714-489-5411
