Staff modifications had not been prepared as of Thursday.
Critics of the omission of a ban claim to have no interest in banning skateboarding per se, only speedboarding on streets with steep grades, citing concern for the safety of skateboarders, as well as drivers and pedestrians.
Near misses and property damage attributed to skateboarders prompted complaints to the Laguna Beach Police Department by 436 residents, according to a report presented by Police Chief Paul Workman in September to the city's Parking, Traffic and Circulation Committee.
Workman said the number was significant and suggested decision-makers should review the calls. He also called attention to Laguna's hilly terrain, also significant.
The chief reported that since Jan. 1, 2008, eight traffic collision reports were taken that involved skateboarders and cars; there were two accidents where the skateboarder fled prior to the officer's arrival; and five skateboarding injuries not involving a vehicle.
Under state law, skateboarders are pedestrians, not drivers, but that doesn't mean laws cannot be passed to regulate them as other cities have done.
Workman reported that several jurisdictions, such as Laguna Niguel, have prohibited street skateboarding on streets altogether, but the city has a large public skateboard park.
Other cities, including Dana Point, Newport Beach and Mission Viejo, which also has a park, have the authority to prohibit skateboarding on specific streets.
Certain streets in San Clemente are closed to skateboarders, and speed is limited to 20 miles per hour. Skateboarders are restricted from coming within three feet of a pedestrian and within 20 feet of the entrance to any shop, store or commercial building.
Laguna Woods allows skateboarding only in a cul de sac of 500 feet or less.
Liability issues are also a concern mentioned in the SNAG leaflet: personal and civic, with the possibility of tax increases to pay for costs and awards of legal action due to skateboarding accidents.
The group is urging opponents of speedboarding to e-mail support for the ban to the city clerk at manderson@lagunabeachcity.net for distribution to the City Council. It also encourages calls to individual council members and attendance to the Feb. 1 council meeting.
