Quick Read
- Stephen Colletti and wife Alex Weaver are expecting their first child.
- Lo Bosworth recently welcomed a daughter named Nelle.
- A 20th-anniversary ‘Laguna Beach’ reunion special will air later this year.
- Senator Ted Cruz was reportedly spotted flying to Laguna Beach ahead of a Texas winter storm.
- Laguna Beach is beginning construction on a permanent Forest Avenue Promenade in February.
Two decades after MTV’s iconic reality show ‘Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County’ captivated a generation with its high school dramas and love triangles, its original stars are making headlines once again with significant personal milestones and an anticipated reunion. Stephen Colletti, a central figure in the show’s turbulent storylines, recently announced he is expecting his first child with wife Alex Weaver. This news follows closely on the heels of fellow cast member Lauren ‘Lo’ Bosworth welcoming her daughter, Nelle, with husband Dom Natale. These joyous announcements coincide with preparations for a 20th-anniversary reunion special, promising a nostalgic and ‘healing’ experience for both the cast and their devoted fanbase. Simultaneously, the picturesque city of Laguna Beach, California, is navigating its own set of prominent developments, from ambitious urban planning projects and new business openings to finding itself unexpectedly at the center of a national political controversy.
A New Chapter for Laguna Beach Stars
The original cast of ‘Laguna Beach,’ once embroiled in high school love triangles and wild parties, is now settling into a new phase of life: parenthood. Stephen Colletti, 39, who famously found himself caught between rivals Kristin Cavallari and Lauren Conrad during the show’s first two seasons, shared his joyous news in a Tuesday Instagram post. He and his wife, Alex Weaver, are expecting their first child. The announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from former castmates, underscoring the enduring bonds formed during their MTV days.
Among those extending well wishes was Kristin Cavallari, 39, a mother of three herself with ex-husband Jay Cutler. Her lifestyle brand’s Instagram account, Uncommon James, commented, ‘So happy for you both.’ Lauren Conrad, 39, who went on to lead the successful spin-off ‘The Hills’ and is now a mother of two boys with husband William Tell, also expressed her excitement, gushing, ‘Yaaaaaaay!!! This is so exciting!!!’
Just days before Colletti’s announcement, Lauren ‘Lo’ Bosworth, 39, revealed she had given birth to her daughter, Nelle, with husband Dom Natale. Lo took to Instagram to share that her ‘girl Nelle is here,’ adding that her arrival two weeks early felt ‘right on time.’ Her pregnancy had been made public shortly after her July wedding. Other ‘Laguna Beach’ alumni, including Jason Wahler, 39, a father of three, and Alex Murrel, 38, also a mother, joined the chorus of congratulations for both Colletti and Bosworth, reflecting a shared sense of growth and camaraderie among the former reality stars, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Two Decades Later: The Reunion and Lingering Rivalries
Beyond the personal milestones, the ‘Laguna Beach’ cast is preparing for a highly anticipated reunion special, set to air later this year to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the show’s final episode. Titled ‘Roku Presents: The Laguna Beach Reunion,’ the two-hour special will bring together original cast members including Lauren Conrad, Stephen Colletti, and Kristin Cavallari.
The reunion marks a significant moment, particularly for Conrad and Cavallari, whose on-screen rivalry captivated millions and fueled a fervent ‘Team Conrad’ versus ‘Team Cavallari’ fan debate. Kristin Cavallari recently shared on her podcast that she had filmed the reunion, posting a selfie with Conrad and captioning it, ‘everyone can put away their team Lauren and team Kristin shirts now.’ She described the experience as ‘awesome’ and ‘healing,’ signaling an end to their long-standing public animosity. Lauren Conrad echoed these sentiments, initially hesitant but ultimately ‘really happy’ she participated, finding the experience ‘therapeutic.’
Liz Gateley, the series creator, expressed her enthusiasm for the reunion, noting that when she first pitched the show to MTV, she ‘never in a million years’ thought they would find such a ‘perfect group of real friends.’ She highlighted the show’s profound impact, stating it ‘not only changed my life and the cast’s lives, but the series meant so much to a generation of fans who’ve been waiting for this.’ The reunion promises to be a nostalgic journey for fans, allowing them to reconnect with the stars who defined a new era of reality television.
Laguna Beach in the Spotlight: Politics and Urban Development
While its former reality stars are making personal and professional headlines, the city of Laguna Beach itself continues to be a focal point for diverse news. Recently, the seaside resort city found itself unexpectedly embroiled in national political controversy. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) was reportedly spotted on a flight to Laguna Beach on January 20, 2026, just as Texas was bracing for a ‘very impactful winter storm,’ including a rare ice threat and arctic cold front. This sighting, reported by political strategist Shea Jordan Smith and detailed by Times Now News, immediately drew comparisons to Cruz’s highly criticized trip to Cancun, Mexico, during a deadly winter storm in Texas in 2021.
The 2021 incident saw Cruz flee Texas amidst massive power outages that affected millions and resulted in hundreds of deaths. He faced similar backlash for traveling to Jamaica during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and for delaying his return from Athens, Greece, during a deadly flood last year. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster ahead of the impending storm, mobilizing emergency agencies and pre-treating roads, while ERCOT confirmed the power grid remained stable despite expected demand spikes. Cruz’s reported travel to Laguna Beach reignited public debate over politicians’ responsibilities during state emergencies.
On a local level, Laguna Beach is also embarking on a significant urban transformation. The city is set to begin construction in February on a permanent pedestrian promenade on Forest Avenue, transforming the popular temporary feature introduced during the pandemic. The City Council approved a substantial $5.5 million contract for the project, alongside an additional $350,000 for project management, as reported by Filmogaz. Intensive night work will minimize disruption, with plans to replace existing curbs, sidewalks, and parking areas with decorative pavers and landscaped elements. Councilmember Alex Rounaghi emphasized the goal of completing the project before summer to support local businesses, which have thrived with the vibrant outdoor shopping experience created by the current promenade.
Despite enthusiasm, community groups like Friends of Forest Avenue and Village Laguna have voiced concerns about potential increased traffic, parking shortages, and flooding risks. City engineer Tom Perez confirmed that a study is in its final stages to ensure FEMA compliance, with preliminary findings suggesting the new design will actually mitigate flooding risks from a 100-year storm. Stakeholder involvement, including public workshops and input from local businesses and residents since 2021, has shaped the project, which received California Coastal Commission approval in August.
Adding to the local buzz, a new coffee chain, Better Buzz, is celebrating its grand opening in Laguna Beach on Thursday, January 22, at its new location on 280 S. Coast Hwy. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, officiated by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, will feature complimentary samples of a special menu tailored for the local community, including items like the Main Beach Matcha and the Laguna Beach Best Drink Ever. As part of its community integration, Better Buzz will donate 20 percent of its Thursday sales to the Laguna Beach Garden Club, according to Patch.
From reality TV milestones and political controversies to significant urban development and new local businesses, Laguna Beach continues to be a dynamic nexus of activity, demonstrating its enduring cultural and civic relevance across various spheres.