Ten-Year Monopoly Reveals Pattern of Vendor Favoritism in Laguna Beach School District

Key points

• Investigation reports that Ruhnau Clarke Architects captured 7 of 9 LBUSD architectural contracts since 2016 — totaling over $3.5 million and roughly 77.8 percent market share, much without competitive bidding.
• Details the October 2016 turning point: SVA Architects terminated 'without cause' after $90,000 paid for incomplete work; Ruhnau Clarke awarded the $60,500 completion contract within days without an RFP.
• Lists subsequent direct awards: 2018 LBHS Athletic Field (~$2.3M design fees); 2024 LBHS Pool Modernization (~$750K initial); 2024 El Morro and Top of the World TK designs (~$150K each).
• Notes overlap between Ruhnau Clarke affiliates and SchoolPower donors during periods of major contract awards, 'with no evidence of formal conflict disclosures or board recusals.'
• Cites California Public Contract Code Section 100 (competitive bidding to eliminate favoritism, fraud, corruption) and calls for Orange County DA, State Controller, and FPPC investigation.