Laguna Beach Election: 4 Candidates Run For 2 City Council Seats
LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Voters will have their pick of four candidates running for two City Council seats in the Nov. 5 election.
The field includes two incumbents seeking second terms and two challengers. Council members are elected at large; the two highest vote getters are expected to be sworn in to four-year terms on the council late 2024.
Here's a run-down on the four candidates vying for a spot on the Laguna Beach City Council in the order that they appear on the ballot:
Judie Mancuso, Challenger.
Judie Mancuso is a businesswoman and nonprofit CEO who has called Laguna Beach home for 30 years. If elected, she promised to manage the impacts of tourism, climate change, development and aging infrastructure. Mancuso said in her candidate statement that her experience in business, nonprofit, and political leadership — including passing 25 state bills — has prepared her to take to the dais. To learn more about Judie Mancuso, visit her website .
Hallie Jones, Challenger.
Hallie Jones is a nonprofit executive and city commissioner who has lived in Laguna Beach for three generations. She has served as the executive director at the Laguna Canyon Foundation and now serves as the executive vice president at the Crystal Cove Conservancy. Her priorities include supporting emergency services, expanding climate action and monitoring development. To learn more about Hallie Jones, visit her website.
George Weiss, Incumbent.
George Weiss was first elected in 2020 and, since then, has spearheaded efforts to increase transparency in the city. According to Weiss's candidate statement, he helped ensure that the city provide a 12-day advance of city council agendas to residents. He said if re-elected, he hopes to address issues such as tourism congestion, affordable housing for artists, transparency and more. To learn more about George Weiss, visit his website.
Bob Whalen, Incumbent.
Bob Whalen has served on the Laguna Beach City Council for four years, leading the city as mayor through the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. According to his candidate bio, Weiss spearheaded the transfer of South Laguna beaches to city control, voted to improve 911 and emergency responses in the city and much more. If re-election, Whalen said he will continue undergrounding efforts, wildfire safety programs and affordable housing solutions. To learn more about Bob Whalen, visit his website.
