Laguna Niguel in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The City Seal: Pre-Historic Past

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 25, 2024

1. The City Seal Pre-Historic Past Marker

Inscription. The City Seal was designed shortly following incorporation and tells the story of the rich history of Laguna Niguel, from its pre-historic beginnings, to the modern and vibrant family-oriented community of the present.

Each of the seven plaques located along this arbor describe the various historic elements that influenced the design of the Laguna Nigel City Seal.

The City Seal displays a whale skull, nestled in the grass near the contemporary home.

Laguna Niguel was once covered by ocean waters teeming with sea life. Over time, geologic forces trapped the remains of marine life that was once prevalent. Fossils found in Laguna Niguel were deposited over ten million years ago during the period of geologic time known as the Miocene Epoch.

Many fossils have been found during recent years. In 1969, the remains of sea cows, turtles, dolphins and sea lions were found during the construction of the Chet Holifield Federal Building. In 1989, a 25-foot baleen (toothless) whale fossil was found during the development of the Plaza de La Paz shopping center at the corner of La Paz Road and Pacific Park. Paleontology displays are located throughout the shopping center, depicting the pre-historic heritage of Laguna Niguel.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce

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• Paleontology. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.

Location. 33° 31.429′ N, 117° 42.966′ W. Marker is in Laguna Niguel, California, in Orange County. It is on Crown Valley Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel CA 92677, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sea Country (here, next to this marker); Laguna Niguel Today (here, next to this marker); Rancho Niguel (a few steps from this marker); Native American Heritage (a few steps from this marker); The City Seal (a few steps from this marker); Dana Point (approx. 2.7 miles away); Indigenous People of San Juan Capistrano (approx. 2.8 miles away); Historic Moss Point (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laguna Niguel.

More about this marker. The marker is found on the west side of city hall.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 25, 2024

2. The City Seal Pre-Historic Past Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. • • • Closeup photo of the marker. • • Can you help?