lagunabeachindy . com JUNE 2 , 2023 7 PAID ADVERTISEMENT
A Message to the Laguna Beach Community :
As a longtime Laguna Beach resident , business owner and champion , I have been deeply troubled by the recent conflict at two Laguna Beach Company properties and the false accusations that have followed . I have remained quiet to this point , trusting our legal system to resolve this matter and hold those responsible to account . But as the falsehoods continue , I can remain silent no longer .
Due to a financial dispute , unethical business associates of our family-owned company have led a campaign of aggression , intimidation and falsehoods against us . Make no mistake : our company continues to maintain our full ownership stake in these businesses and other properties in Laguna . This dispute is currently being handled by the courts , where it belongs .
Unfortunately , the other side has responded to this disagreement with force , and even violence . Earlier this spring , multiple security personnel forced themselves into Hotel Laguna and 14 West and unlawfully took possession . After repeated attempts to settle the dispute amicably , we reclaimed the properties on the morning of May 2 without incident . The response from our business associate was appalling : an armed security team returned to the properties , assaulted our licensed security staff , and frightened guests . Photos and videos from that day clearly show that these trespassers were the aggressors . In case there is any doubt , please know that Laguna Beach police made one arrest that day : a representative of the other side , who was charged with assault and battery .
I have lived in Laguna Beach for nearly 25 years . I raised my family here . I love this community deeply . My family and I are proud of all we have achieved – including the beautiful re-opening of Hotel Laguna in 2021 – and we have so much left to accomplish , together . Like you , we regret these unfortunate events and hope to move past this dispute as quickly as possible . We appreciate all the support we have received from the community , and we are eager to continue serving our friends and neighbors once again .
Sincerely ,
Mo Honarkar Founder , The Laguna Beach Company