Officials call for caution from drivers as Laguna Beach students return to class

Laguna Beach residents are used to traffic — of both the walking and vehicular variety — but city officials are calling on drivers to exercise caution around town with students set to return to the classroom next week.

Monday marks the first day of classes for the Laguna Beach Unified School District, and Laguna Beach Police Department personnel will be stationed at schools in the morning to monitor traffic and ensure the safety of school children and the community, Laguna Beach Police Lt. Cornelius Ashton said.

“The Laguna Beach Police Department asks drivers to slow down and use caution around school zones,” Ashton said in a statement. “Please use the designated drop-off/pick-up areas and be patient, as some students may be new to the school.”

Most classes begin at 7:55 a.m. at El Morro and Top of the World elementary schools.

At Thurston Middle School, first period begins at 8:40 a.m. Monday through Thursday and at 9:10 a.m. on Friday.

Regular class schedules start at 8:30 a.m. at Laguna Beach High School. Some students may arrive early at the middle school and high school for zero period courses.

A fatal vehicle strike occurred in an intersection at South Coast Highway and Pearl Street just last week.

For families who do not want their children to walk to and from school and are unable to drive them there, LBUSD Supt. Jason Viloria said the district offers busing for students who are in kindergarten up to eighth grade. He said the district also has a partnership with the city to provide transportation services for high school students.

The district busing route has 135 designated bus stops. Although not all bus stops will be in use at all times, the transporation system services Laguna Beach as well as some neighborhoods in Aliso Viejo and Crystal Cove.

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