New police chief: Laura Farinella, deputy chief in Long Beach, takes over March 16

Laguna Beach will have a new police chief March 16, City Manager John Pietig announced Monday in a news release.

Laura Farinella, currently a deputy chief in the Long Beach Police Department, will be Laguna’s first female police chief and 16th overall.

She will replace Paul Workman, who announced his retirement in August after 38 years with the city. Workman, appointed chief in 2009, has stayed on in an interim role.

Farinella has 25 years of public safety experience. She began her career in Long Beach in 1990, has worked all patrol divisions in the department and has held multiple high-level command staff positions.

“Laura’s success at community outreach and working collaboratively with department personnel and the community really set her apart from other candidates,” Pietig said in the news release. “I look forward to bringing Laura on board and working with her and the department to take it to the next level.”

Farinella holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Chapman University and a master’s degree in emergency services administration from Cal State Long Beach.

She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and FBI National Executive Institute and has completed numerous post-graduate programs and leadership academies.

Farinella lives with her spouse and two children in Rancho Santa Margarita.

“I am honored and excited to have been chosen to lead the fine men and women of the Laguna Beach Police Department,” Farinella said in the release. “I also look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the law enforcement services of such a unique, charming and progressive city. I am eager to connect with the community and enhance our partnerships in the interest of working together to keep Laguna Beach safe for our residents, business owners and visitors.”

Pietig’s appointment is final and does not need approval from the City Council.