July 2, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Laguna Beach Closer to Having a New Pride Lifeguard Tower

By Susan Payne

Laguna Beach was the recipient of a $10,000 donation from Mark Porterfield and Steve Chadima for its newly proposed Pride lifeguard tower at West Street Beach.  

“We just thought it was a very clever way to celebrate the fact that that beach has been a haven for LGBTQ people for a long time now,” Chadima told the LA Times. “It just seemed like a great way to acknowledge that and celebrate it.”

City officials said the city would purchase towers for the transferred beaches, for which the city will begin marine safety operations in March, according to the Times. Support for community fundraising or the rainbow-art painting was also in question. 

The president of Laguna Beach Pride, Craig Cooley, expressed gratitude to the council for allowing the symbol of recognition for the LGBTQ community on the beaches, the Times reported. 

“It speaks loudly to all the hate that is out there and diversity being a good thing,” Cooley said. “Embracing diversity is a way to counter the hate.”

The tower is expected to be in place, fully decorated, by summer. 

In about four weeks, the city will begin its marine safety operations in South Laguna. 

“We just had another [lifeguards] tryout last weekend, and we were able to get another nine brave people trying out in the cold water,” Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow said. “That brings our total hiring non-peak, which we’ve never done before, up close to 20 people. We’re doing well in our recruitment, and we are on target to meet our deadline.”

in NEWS
Related Posts

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Parents Opposed to LGBTQ Books in Schools

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Decision Could Pave Way for More Opt-Out Challenges Across the Country The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that a Maryland...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

Tens of Thousands Defy Ban at Budapest Pride as Hungary Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Rights

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Marchers Risk Fines and Jail Under New Law Targeting LGBTQ+ Gatherings Tens of thousands marched through the streets of Budapest...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

LGBTQ State Senator Scott Wiener Signals Bid to Succeed Pelosi in Congress

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Wiener Files Paperwork to Run for California’s 11th District in 2028 State Sen. Scott Wiener, a prominent Democrat representing San...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Corporate Pride Pullback: Major Brands Scale Down LGBTQ+ Support Under Trump’s Second Term

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Mastercard, Target, and Others Retreat From High-Profile Campaigns as Federal Policy Shifts Shifts in federal policy under President Donald Trump’s...

Community Seeks Answers After SF Drag Performer Detained by ICE

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Hilary Rivers Vanished After a Scheduled Immigration Appointment Members of San Francisco’s queer and trans communities gathered outside the local...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...