Public to Get Peek at Laguna Laurel : Environment: Plans are under way for free tours of the Laguna Canyon land that the city wants residents to help buy.

Based on the theory that people do not usually buy a car without first taking it for a test drive, the public will be allowed to tour the scenic Laguna Laurel property in Laguna Canyon before the Nov. 6 election, when Laguna Beach citizens will be asked to dig into their pockets to help buy the land.

The city’s agreement to buy 2,150 acres of the coastal canyon land from the Irvine Co. for $78 million is contingent on two-thirds voter approval of Measure H, a $20-million local bond measure that would go toward the purchase price. If passed, the bond issue would increase property taxes by 6 1/2 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

Paul Freeman, manager of the Committee to Save the Canyon Campaign, said plans are under way to offer free guided tours to the public Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. He said shuttle bus service will be provided from a city parking lot on Laguna Canyon Road to the site, and several naturalists will lead the tours on the property.

The area is considered one of the last unspoiled coastal canyons south of Malibu. Environmentalists have rallied to buy the land from the Irvine Co. and block a proposed 3,200-unit development.

“Most people have only seen it from behind their steering wheels,” Freeman said, referring to the only public view now available from Laguna Canyon Road. “Now they will see why it’s a jewel. We want people to see the property. We want them to see what we are asking them to vote to save.”

Freeman said the Laguna Beach City Council will be asked at its next meeting Tuesday to provide insurance coverage for that day to protect the Irvine Co. against any liability.