Development News for Laguna Hills, California

America 250 Celebration Underway with New Exhibits, Community Cleanup, Patriotic Movies, and Freedom Wall Unveiling

The America 250 and Laguna Hills celebration plans, approved on March 24th, 2026, are underway. The Memorial Day event and Story Walk unveiling at Naughty Pine Park were successful, with story time by Orange County Public Libraries, and donations from Starbucks and Crazy Eddies. Moulton Museum will open an American Revolution exhibit on June 7th, with a community services booth present. A community trash cleanup event is scheduled for June 13th at V Ranch Park, offering special edition volunteer shirts, a face painter, coffee, donuts, and an inflatable slide. A patriotic movie series will be held on Wednesdays in June in the Laguna Hills Heritage Room, featuring "Miracle," "Hidden Figures," "Hamilton," and "Independence Day." A "Freedom Wall" unveiling is set for July 1st, a community art project with purchased tiles. The 4th of July event will conclude the series. The Neighborhood Captain Initiative has 10 captains signed up, organizing neighborhood events. America 250 swag will be distributed, and a video from Independence Hall will be played. A flag photo op is available at the community center plaza. The estimated fiscal impact is \$100,000, anticipated to be covered by a recent CRR donation. The project involves selling tiles for the Freedom Wall, with 197 sold so far out of a goal of 400. Tiles are 6x6 inches and cost \$10. Color Me Mind Studios is handling the glazing and firing. A trash cleanup event will be held at V Ranch Park on June 13th, led by Community Services, and will include family-friendly activities like an inflatable slide and face painting to engage the community. Public works will address tall weeds in the creek area prior to the cleanup. The report was received and filed.

4th of July Celebration to Feature Enhanced Fireworks, Historical Reenactors, and Special Giveaways for America's 250th Anniversary

The 4th of July celebration for 2026 will feature special enhancements to honor the 250th anniversary of America. These include fife and drum music, five historical reenactors, music and water polo boosters selling food, and enhanced giveaways such as frisbees, hats, and pinwheels with a special America 250 Laguna Hills logo. CRR cups will also be given away. El Toro Water District is expected to provide water via a truck. The fireworks display will be significantly upgraded with more shells and a larger finale. The band 'Family Style' will perform, alongside yard games, water balloon tosses, inflatables, bounce houses, and crafts. A Declaration of Independence photo op will be available. The community center and trees along Paseo de Valencia and Alicia will be lit, and an American flag photo op has been installed. Carnival rides will not be offered this year due to cost and low profit, with enhancements focusing on other activities. The fireworks company will be Garden State Fireworks, used for the second year. The report was received and filed.

2026 Memorial Day Half Marathon a Success, Reports Nearly 2,300 Participants and \$155,000 Revenue

The 2026 Memorial Day Half Marathon 5K and 10K event was reported as a success, drawing 2,297 participants, an increase from the previous year. The event generated approximately \$155,000 in revenue against a budget of \$215,000. A three-year medal series, "The Spirit of America," was initiated, with the 2026 medal honoring America's 250th anniversary. Team Dark Horse was recognized for their support, providing static displays and information about adopted Marines. The success was attributed to sponsors, volunteers, public safety personnel, city staff, race organizers, and community partners. The report was received and filed.