LAGUNA BEACH : Project to Stabilize Canyon Slopes OKd

To halt erosion from slopes along Laguna Canyon Road, transportation officials are seeking funding for a $1-million project to anchor the hillsides.

The plan, endorsed by the Laguna Beach City Council last week, calls for wire mesh to be installed on the slopes from the Festival of Arts grounds to Canyon Acres Drive.

Falling rocks and flowing debris have caused ongoing problems in that area, particularly last winter, when hillsides soaked by unusually heavy rains became unstable. At times, falling rocks have created a hazard for motorists.

Because Laguna Canyon Road is a state highway, Caltrans will direct the project, which spokesman Albert Miranda said will probably not begin for about two years while funding is arranged.

In another move aimed at improving public safety in Laguna Beach, the council also voted to request funds from Orange County either to build a new downtown flood control channel or to enlarge the present channel from Beach Street to the ocean, an area that was flooded earlier this year.

Past flooding has been blamed in part on the fact that the channel that carries waters from Laguna Canyon narrows at Beach Street, causing water to spill onto streets.

Municipal Services Director Terry Brandt said a new channel could be built under either Ocean Avenue or Broadway. Another option is to enlarge the current channel, which runs between those two streets. The estimated cost of the project is $3 million.

In the past, some merchants have objected to such a plan, saying they fear a negative effect on business during the construction.

But Councilman Wayne J. Baglin said it is time to tackle the problem.

“This is a major safety problem,” he said. “I’m 100% behind moving ahead.”