Laguna’s beaches top national list

Laguna Beach made it to national television Aug. 7, but not on MTV.

The city has been named a “Beach Buddy” by the Natural Resources Defense Council for the cleanliness of its waters — one of 13 cities nationwide and the only city on the Pacific Coast to be so honored.

The Today Show featured the designation in a story on the “Best (and worst) beaches in the U.S.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council is based in New York City, with Southern California offices in Santa Monica.

The group determined Laguna Beach met public health standards more than 90% of the time in 2006.

City officials found out about the honor when a former police chief called City Manager Ken Frank to say he had heard the story on television.

Frank was elated by the designation.

“It’s a good day,” he said. “We’re the only city on the west coast that received this recognition, and the only one in a major metropolitan area, which is extraordinary.

“This is the result of efforts of local groups cleaning up the beaches, prodding us to do the same, our nuisance water diversion program, staff who clean up the storm drains, a lot of big efforts are involved.”

Frank noted that the city has embarked on a 10-year plan to improve the city’s sewer system, after numerous sewage spills in the 1990s prompted the EPA to threaten fines.

Some sewer lines have been replaced, others received new liners and other repairs.

The city videotaped all the sewers to see what needed to be done.

The Laguna Beach City Council is tonight expected to award a $1 million-plus contract to replace the aging North Coast Interceptor sewer line.

Frank noted that having clean ocean waters is a definite plus for the city’s visitor-serving sector.

“Between the Visitor’s Bureau, the hotels and the city, we are trying to portray Laguna as a special resort where people can be safe in the water and downtown,” he said.

As for locals, “It may not be as important as MTV, but it’s also reassuring to residents.”

The other “Beach Buddies” are in North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine.

Two beaches in California were designated as “Beach Bums” for having the worst water in the nation — Avalon Beach in Catalina and Venice Beach in Los Angeles.

Other “worst” beaches are in Maryland, New Jersey and Illinois.

For more information, visit www.nrdc.org.