For three Laguna Beach City Council seats, incumbents Alex Rounaghi, Sue Kempf and Mark Orgill jumped to an early lead Tuesday night in initial election results released shortly after the polls closed.
LIVE ELECTION RESULTS: See a chart of the latest vote counts
Three incumbents, Alex Rounaghi, Mark Orgill and Sue Kempf, are being challenged by six challengers, including long-time City Treasurer Laura Parisi and Ashley Cintas, Edward Bayuk, Joy Berry, Karen Martin, and Nick Aronoff.
Among the biggest topics in town this year have been what to do with the impending shutdown of the emergency room at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, how to lessen visitor impacts at beaches and in the neighborhoods, how to manage the city’s budget with resident benefits in mind, and how to strengthen the community against the threat of wildfires.
Rounaghi, who was the top vote-getter in 2022 and at the time the youngest councilmember elected in Laguna Beach, said Tuesday night after early returns that he is grateful for the votes so far.
“While not all the votes have been counted, I’m optimistic,” he said. “And grateful for the support of so many residents of my hometown. It’s an honor to serve.”
Kempf said she was feeling “very comfortable.”
The Laguna Beach City Council has five members who serve four-year terms. Each year, the council selects the town’s mayor from among its ranks to lead the meetings, represent the city, and play a largely ceremonial role.