City officials are looking at limiting where street performers can set up to entertain in Laguna Beach.
City Council members initially supported a new law that would keep street performers 10 feet away from bus and trolley stops, street corners and crosswalks and stopped them from performing equally as close to restaurants, shops and businesses. Limiting the times when people could perform on the streets was also considered.
But this week, council members held off putting the proposed rules in place. Some were concerned the new law wasn’t specific enough and didn’t really outline where street performers could go to entertain those passing by. So they’ll talk about the proposal some more July 13.
“If Sound Spectrum wanted something in front of the store, where would that be?” Councilman George Weiss asked, using the music store on Coast Highway as an example. “How many places are left in town and would that be adequate space?”
Jeremy Frimond, a senior analyst with the city, told council members that while staff members hadn’t identified exact locations, he believed there would be at least 10 spots available citywide if the proposed rules were put in place.
Waiting to make a final decision on the proposal will give staffers time to list which actual locations would be left.
“I’m concerned by the lack of specificity,” Mayor Bob Whalen said. “We did an ordinance for street vendors and went through a detailed analysis. We need to determine where you could perform and be in compliance with this thing.”
Reviewing the rules for street performers came up because of safety concerns, including performance gear stacked on sidewalks and large crowds gathering near crosswalks and streets, officials said.
“My problem is amplified music,” one resident told council members. He said he was retired and regularly walks several miles a day along the town’s coastline and the natural ambiance is interrupted by the blaring sounds.
But others said the proposed law would go too far and wasn’t welcoming.
“All this ordinance is meant to do is give the city a little latitude,” Councilman Peter Blake said.
For decades, Eiler Larsen stood at the corner of Coast Highway and Forest Avenue greeting people to town. The title became official in 1964. Larsen died 12 years later at the age of 84.
Councilwoman Toni Iseman said she first saw him in 1969 at Greeter’s Corner, which has since become a landmark and is what she considers a better spot for performers.
After Larsen, others, including Michael Minutoli, have taken up the role. Minutoli on most days can be seen dancing and spinning at the corner of Sapphire Restaurant along Coast Highway.
City officials said the new ordinance as written would not impact Minutoli.
Once adopted, the ordinance would apply to public areas citywide. Separate proposed rules are included for the Promenade on Forest, which would require a city-issued permit.
