November 23, 2010 - Laguna Hills City Council Meeting
All Council Members were present
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Election Information - The Orange County Ballot Counts are reportedly complete and the City Council Members elected for Laguna Hills are Barbara Kogerman, Melody Carruth and Randy Bressette. Laguna Hills Citizens have a new Council Majority for the first time in many years and we trust they will work well together to represent and be accountable to the citizens. Congratulations to all of them!!! Be sure to attend the Dec. 14, 2010 City Council Meeting if you want to see the council members sworn in and celebrate them.

Presentations and Proclamations - Moulton Niguel Water District's 50th Anniversary. Director Donald Froelich, Laguna Hills Citizen and current member of the Laguna Hills Traffic Commission received a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Bressette. Mr. Froelich said that in 1960 six people got together to form the Moulton Niguel Water District which now serves 167,000 residents.

Mrs. Delores Winchell was also recognized and congratulated by Mayor Bressette for being recently elected to the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

Public Comments - NONE

LHHS Student Liaison Report by Mike Spain - This is a week off for LHHS students, many of whom are getting their college applications together. The football team won on Friday. 1st round of CIFs is over and will start 2nd round next week. Will play Sonora High School in La Habra this Friday. Junior Varsity football team finished as league champions and freshman football team was second place in the league. Soccer starts next week vs. Corona Del Mar. December 3 is the LHHS Dinner Murder Mystery and December 10 is LHHS's Music Concert in Laguna Woods.

Minutes - Recommendation that the City Council Approve the Minutes of the previous City Council Meeting for publication on the city web site. The minutes from tonight's meeting will not be edited and approved for publication until the next city council meeting so there is a long delay for the public related to timely information from the city.

Consent Calendar - Warrant Register = $950,200.84
Warrant Register Items of Interest that probably should require some additional explanation -
$4,005,25 - City Departmental Operating Expenditures, Oct. 2010.
$25,615.87 - Sept.- Oct. 2010 Water Usage for Parks to Moulton Niguel Water District

Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar -
Item 4.3 - Resolution Amending and Restating in it's Entirety the City's General and Auto Liability Claims Admin. Procedures. Since 1997 the City has handled 148 claims, based on this claims history the City Attorney's Office is recommending some modifications to the claims administration procedure. The City is a member of (ERMAC) Exclusive Risk Management Authority of CA. - a Joint Powers Authority with 3 other cities Beaumont, Santa Maria, and Hayward, CA. to jointly develop and fund insurance and other related programs. The city receives an average of 11.4 claims per year and has approved $186,721.87 for claims since 1997 and net payments over and above loss payments have totaled $174,878.62. Staff Recommendation - That the City delegate pre-litigation claims and litigation settlement authority to the City Manager in amounts up to and including $10,000, bring claims and litigation settlements in excess of $10,000 to the full City Council, and eliminate the Claim's Committee. The Claims Committee consisted of Council Member Craig Scott, City Manger Bruce Channing, and Assist. City Manager Don White.

Item 4.4 - Adoption of the 2010 editions of the CA. Building Code Standards for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Residential and Green Building Standards and amending the 2010 Edition of the CA. Fire Code. These standards were discussed briefly in the last Laguna Hills Watch Dog and are available for review in the City Clerk's Dept. Staff Recommendation - Adopt an ordinance for the new codes

Item 4.5 - Ordinance Amending the Laguna Hills Municipal Code related to Water Quality Control. This is related to the new rules for storm water discharge management. These new standards were discussed briefly in the last Laguna Hills Watch Dog related to excess lawn sprinkler runoff and are available in the City Clerk's Dept.
Staff Recommendation - Adopt the Ordinance to ensure compliance with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Item 4.6 - Resolution to Establish Community Assistance Funding of $10,000 to re-establish the Support Committee for the 3/5 Marines based at Camp Pendleton Adopted in 2007 by the City of Laguna Hills. Staff Recommendation - Adopt the Resolution

Item 4.8 Authorization to purchase equipment for the Costeau Park Playground Renovation Project.
Staff Recommendation - Authorize the direct purchase of the playground equipment

Items Removed from the Consent Calendar - NONE VOTE - Consent Calendar was passed as a whole 5 - 0 without comment.

City Council Public Hearings - Item 5.1A - Application for 2011-2012 Federal Community Development Block Grant Funding was presented by Melissa Au-Yeung. This grant is administered through the County of Orange for Improvements for the Florence Sylvester Senior Center. Staff anticipates submitting an application for funds in the amount of $75,000. According to the City's information this requires a public hearing and City Council Approval. This funding is available to Unincorporated areas of OC and to "Non Entitlement" cities which are cities with a population of under 50,000. Application for these funds is a competitive process though which projects are evaluated on their ability to meet standards set forth in the County's Consolidated Plan including their ability to meet the needs of low/moderate income residents of the City. These funds, if received, are anticipated to be used for solar panels to reduce electricity costs. A preliminary decision regarding approval of these funds should be made by the County in January of 2011.
Staff Recommendation - Submit application for the funds. VOTE - Item passed 5-0

Planning Agency Public Hearings - None

Administrative Reports -
Item 6.2A - Purchasing Ordinance Update - At the 9-24-10 City Council Meeting the council directed staff to research and return to the City Council with a report on the comprehensive update of the City's Purchasing Ordinance including vehicle acquisitions and the term "Total Value". Staff has reportedly completed the 1st draft of the updated ordinance and has submitted it to the City Attorney's Office for legal review. It is the staff's opinion that the City's independent auditor should also review and comment on the Ordinance. The City's Audit Committee, consisting of 2 Council Members, Randal Bressette and Joel Lautenschleger, and the City Manager, work with the independent auditor.
Staff Recommendation - The City's independent auditor should review and comment on the Ordinance.
Assistant City Manager Don White in response to a question from Council Member Carruth stated this item should come back to the city council for their review by February of 2011. Council Member Craig Scott then stated, "It would appear that we have accomplished the recommended action so I would move that we receive and file." Mayor Bressette replied that Mr. White is looking for direction to send this item to the audit committee. Mr. White agreed with Mr. Bressette. A motion for the staff recommendation received a second. VOTE was 5 - 0 to send this item to the Audit Committee.

Item 6.3A - McIntyre St. Traffic Conditions in the Castle Hill Development
1. Continue speed enforcement efforts on McIntyre St. and re-evaluate the traffic speed conditions in 3 to 6 months.
2. Resolution for side street Stop Signs on McIntyre St. at Evergreen Rd. and on White Alder Lane at McIntyre.
City reports Staff evaluated the need for multi-way Stop Signs at 3 intersections. Their traffic analysis revealed that traffic speeds on McIntyre were higher than those reasonably expected on a residential street, varying from 32 to 36 mph depending upon the time of day. Cut through traffic volumes were compared with an initial study in 1993 and increased volumes ranged from 12% to 50% depending upon the time of day and the direction of traffic flow. However, because stop signs are not intended for speed control, none of the 3 studied intersections met minimum standards for multi-way stop sign controls due to no accidents in the past 3 years and cut-through volumes of traffic being less than those in the 1993 study at certain times of the day. Staff is recommending for purposes of Right of Way Assignment and Traffic Control Consistency the installation of a Stop Sign on White Alder Lane at McIntyre and McIntyre St. at Evergreen Rd.
The Traffic Commission recommended continuation of traffic speed enforcement on McIntyre St. a side street Stop Sign on McIntyre at Evergreen Rd. and a multi-way stop sign control at the intersection of McIntyre St. and Knotty Pine Rd.
Staff Recommendation - was to establish 2 stops signs, 1 side street Stop Sign on White Alder at McIntyre St. and 1 side street Stop Sign on McIntyre St. at Evergreen Rd. Continue speed enforcement efforts on McIntyre St. and re-evaluate the traffic speed conditions in 3 to 6 months.
Fiscal Impact: Estimated cost of $1000

Public Services Director/ City Engineer, Ken Rosenfield added traffic speed was collected on McIntyre St. at 6 different times using an unmarked vehicle with a radar gun. Cut through traffic was measured by checking license plates against either entering or exiting the speed system and retail centers just South of La Paz Rd., and stop sign analyses were performed at 3 intersections Knotty Pine at McIntyre, Knotty Pine at White Alder and Knotty Pine at Evergreen. The prevailing speed on McIntyre reached a high of 36 mph (prevailing speed being the speed at which 85% of the motorists are at or below). He said that at a speed above 34 mph residents historically become uncomfortable and an incremental approach to addressing this is recommended by City Policy. He said total traffic volumes were lower, but morning volume was higher than previous measurements in 1993. He noted that the Rule of Thumb for traffic volumes in Laguna Hills is more than 2000 vehicles a day entering. He said up to 50% of vehicles entering the retail centers came directly from the neighborhoods. It was his recommendation that speed enforcement should be the primary method used but in response to a question from Council Member Carruth he said the council can approve stop signs when and where ever they want without regard to traffic history or state standards and that has previously occurred in Laguna Hills. Council Member Carruth asked if the numbers of children in a neighborhood were considered when decisions are made related to traffic control. Ken Rosenfield responded that the existing standards for county pedestrians are so high that they are very difficult to meet.
He added the installation of Stop Signs would include cross walks and stop ahead signs and legends.

Public Comments - Mr. Jim Haines, resident of this neighborhood thanked the council and Mrt Rosenfield for attention to this problem and thanked Chief Doan for the presence of deputies in the area to control speed. He said the deputies made an unbelievable difference so adding the recommendations regarding the stop signs should make a big difference in the neighborhood. He said the main safety concern is at the intersection of McIntyre and Knotty Pine and suggested also looking at the other end of Knotty Pine as a 3 way stop as it is a really dangerous spot where kids are crossing to go to school. At Evergreen and McIntyre a 3 way stop sign is also needed to stop the people coming in from Paseo de Valencia up Pine Nut and around Tree Top where a driver coming around the corner took out 2 of a resident's vehicles. He suggested this be addressed again in 3 to 6 months during the incremental study. He also noted that there were no 24 hour studies done, only the times set up by the City, but Chief Doan had his officers out at various other times suggested by Mr. Haines and that really made a difference. He said Mckenzie also has a major problem with their long straight of way where people build up speed and then go down hill, so by the time they get to the Park where kids are crossing the street to go to Valencia Elementary there is a major safety issue.

Council Member Lautenschleger questioned the recommendation for McIntyre and White Alder. Mr. Haines responded that the 1 side street stop sign recommended for McIntyre and White Adler will do nothing to control unsafe speeds going down the hill. That's why it's imperative that the Knotty Pine McIntyre signs go in.

Council Member Carruth made a motion to include the Staff Recommendation of 2 stops signs, 1 side street stop sign on White Alder at McIntyre St. and 1 side street stop sign on McIntyre St. at Evergreen Rd. plus the addition of the Traffic Commission's recommendation to add a multi-way stop sign control at the intersection of McIntyre St. and Knotty Pine Rd. and continue speed enforcement efforts on McIntyre St. and re-evaluate the traffic speed conditions in 3 to 6 months. This motion was seconded by Mayor Bressette who also stated he believed that the stop sign at White Alder is necessary from his experience driving in the area related to not having a clear view from White Alder. He asked for the motion to include staff return at the next city council meeting to consider a no stopping zone south of Knotty Pine for whatever distance would be helpful. Council Member Carruth included Mayor Bressette's suggestion in her motion.

Council Member Craig Scott stated he did not favor any multi-way stop signs when traffic standards were not met due to potential liability for the City. Council Members Songstad, Carruth and Mayor Bressette asked if there was any attempt to be more creative about traffic calming related to retrofitting intersections with roundabouts, islands, striping, etc.
VOTE - Motion passed 4- 1 with Council Member Craig Scott being the NO vote.

Item 6.3B Mackenzie St. Traffic Conditions - (2 lane residential St. between La Paz & Paseo de Valencia) Traffic Conditions - Staff Recommendation - The city install 2 "25" pavement legends on Mackenzie St. at an approx. mid block location and direct continued speed enforcement of the existing 25 mph speed limit.
The community requested a multi-way stop sign at Mackenzie and Knotty Pine Rd. but staff reports their analysis determined that multi-way stop signs were not justified for this intersection because none of the State issued standards for the installation of this type of right-of-way control were met. They said the prevailing speed of traffic was from 32 to 34 mph and at times exceeded that range, but they said the street had a low volume of traffic with 554 vehicles in 24 hours (with 2000 vehicles in 24 hours being the Rule of Thumb for high volume in Laguna Hills, according to City Traffic Engineer Ken Rosenfield) with no traffic collision history, good site distance, and no heavy pedestrian presence, so they recommended the "25" pavement legends. Staff report says the city collected data on this street with radar in an unmarked vehicle for 2 days, one week day and one Sat. for 3 times a day. At 2 radar sessions on Sat. the speed was in excess of 34 mph so that indicates only a need to follow the city's incremental approach for traffic speed reduction rather than a stop sign. The report says Mackenzie St. already has one 25 mph sign and a "25" pavement legend in both the northbound and southbound directions but due to the length of that street the city is recommending 2 additional "25"pavement legends and a traffic enforcement effort with the use of the radar speed trailer with another look at the area in 3 to 6 months. Fiscal Impact: Estimated Cost - $400

EDITOR'S NOTE - The Staff Report states, "As is common practice with many municipal agencies, the City of Laguna Hills follows State guidelines for determining if traffic control devices, such as multiway stop signs should be installed." The source used for this is (CA. MUTCD) CA. Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The MUTCD Multiway Stop Applications Guidance criteria are described in the following 4 main parts:
1. As an interim measure where traffic control signals are justified.
2. Reported crashes - 5 or more in a 12 month period that are susceptible to correction.
3. Traffic and pedestrian volumes, speeds, and delay; and,
4. Where a combination of the above criteria are satisfied to 80 percent.
If an one or a combination of these criteria are is met then a multiway stop sign application should e considered. If these criteria are not met, then the installation of an unwarranted stop sign installation is typically recommended as it may place the City in a position of potential liability.
Question - What is the potential liability for a City that does not do enough to calm traffic in areas where there are many complaints and much need for increased safety noted by the residents who clearly inform the City and ask for more serious measures to prevent accidents as opposed to waiting to meet standards that include such things as 5 or more crashes in a 12 month period?

Mayor Bressette asked if any creative ideas were considered for traffic calming here and City Engineer Ken Rosenfield responded that City Policy dictates try everything else first then re-study traffic speeds and if they continue to be higher that acceptable (more than 34 mph at this time) look to more creative means.
Council Member Lautenschleger moved the Staff Recommendation which was seconded.
VOTE - Passed 5 - 0

Item 6.4A - Deputy City Manager David Reynolds - Community Center Butterfly Sculpture Renovation Project.
Presented by Community Services Superintendent Dan Meehan - The paint on the Butterfly sculptures at the Community Center has faded and chipped and is in need of renovation. A Butterfly Contest was held in 2005 with 4 five foot Butterfly Sculptures being purchased and children from Laguna Hills schools were invited to participate in a design contest. Winners were selected and the sculptures were painted.
Staff Recommendation - Keep or get rid of the butterflies and if keeping them Art honor students from LHHS can conduct the renovation of the Butterflies for approx. $1,200 or a new Butterfly Design Contest can be administered for approx. $5000. Mayor Bressette asked that the signatures of the original artists remain on each butterfly.
VOTE - 5 - 0 in favor of keeping the Butterflies and having the Art Students do the renovation.

Other Business - Item 7.1 - Association of CA. League of Cities re. the City becoming a member of the new Association of CA. Cities, Orange County. The Staff Report says this new association is being proposed that would essentially perform the functions which are now performed by the Orange County Division of the CA. League of Cities. Staff reports that a significant number (1/3) of OC cities have dropped out of the State League and a city must belong to the State League to also belong to the Orange County Division of the CA, League of Cities. The purpose of the new association is reportedly to allow cities to be a part of an OC organization which will perform the same functions and provide the same services that the OC County Division of the CA. League of Cities provides but will fill a need for OC City Governments to comfortably oppose positions taken by the State League and focus specifically on Orange County issues. The AOCC-OC will reportedly provide a broad range of benefits to elected officials and their member cities such as educational and collaborative opportunities from an OC perspective, a collective OC cities voice, the ability to support or oppose positions of the State League without internal conflict, and an opportunity to leverage partnerships and seek nonprofit funding that is not presently available. One of the articles of Incorporation for this Association states - No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or intervene in an political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.
Fiscal Impact - In 2010 dues for the City of Laguna Niguel were reportedly $14,287 for the new Association. Council Member Songstad reported that the dues will be the same as they are with the CA. League of Cities.

Public Comments - City Council Member Elect Barbara Kogerman suggested a Staff Report for the new Association and the value of joining it related to so many unanswered questions about it. One of her key questions was will the actions of the new Association be subject to the Public Records Act?

VOTE - Passed 5 - 0 to indicate to the new Association a willingness to be a member if it becomes viable. The members also stated they wanted to remain with the State Association as well.

Item 7.2 - 3/5 Marine Battalion Support Committee - Request that the City Council Direct staff to coordinate with the Marine Support Committee to display the banner of the 3/5 Adopted Marines on an exterior wall of the Community Center The proposed banner would be illuminated by an exterior light until the 3/5 returns from Afghanistan which should occur in April. On Tuesday, Nov. 30 from 7 to 9 PM the Community is invited to attend a Community Night at the Community Center to learn more about the 3/5 and how to help support our City's Marines who were technically adopted in 2007. A new support committee is being established and everyone who would like to be involved is welcome to help support the 3/5 who have lost 18 Marines since Oct. with more than 50 wounded. Operation Christmas Tree has been completed. For a $10 each, 265 small lighted trees were sent to the troops in Afghanistan. Help is still needed for the Holiday Toy Drive and Care Package Programs. There is also a request for the City Council to approve space in the Civic Center and the Community Center lobby for large toy and gift card collection containers from Nov. 22 through Dec. 18, 2010.

Council Member Carruth stated the Holiday Toy and Gift Card Drive is underway with collection boxes at City Hall in the lobby, at the Community Center and a third one at the Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis Club through Dec. 18. She said a theme that centers around light has emerged for the 3/5. The troops have asked for school supplies to bring light to the children of Afghanistan. 1000 Spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons and erasers all without any metal parts and without any advertising were requested. Council Member Carruth also asked the community to leave their lights on round the clock on Christmas Day to show support for our Adopted 3/5 Marines. The last issue related to the theme of light is a request to display the 3/5 Marine's Banner on a public building in Laguna Hills (Community Center or City Hall) with a light shining on it round the clock until the 3/5 returns from Afghanistan which is scheduled to be in April of 2011.
Staff Recommendation - Display the 3/5 Banner in a 6 x 9 size with an exterior light.
VOTE - passed 5 - 0 to display of the banner with a round the clock light.

Matters Presented by Mayor & City Council Members

Mayor Randy Bressette stated Congratulations to Deputy Shannon Meyer who was recently elected Deputy of the Year. Southern CA. Edison through KOCE for National Family Volunteer Day filled boxes with food. 32,000 boxes of cereal and juice, etc. were collected during that day. The Valencia PTA with the help of the children gathered 2100 pairs of shoes and 480 coats and jackets for people who need them

**The City of Laguna Hills Traffic Commission has 2 seats open and The Parks and Recreation Commission has 3 seats open for citizens. If you are interested in serving on these commissions please submit an application by January 4, 2011 at 5 pm to City Clerk Peggy Johns at City Hall. Call 949-707-2630 for more information.

On December 1, 2010 the City of Laguna Hills will host a Public Meeting to discuss citizens concerns regarding Coyote Problems throughout the city. The meeting will be at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy. from 7 pm to 9 pm and will be aimed at understanding the problem, increasing awareness and providing education. Representatives from the California Department of Fish and Game and the OC Animal Shelter will be at the meeting to discuss the problem.

The First Official Support Committee Meeting for the 3/5 Adopted Marines will be held on Tuesday, November 30th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Laguna Hills Community Center. The agenda will include: an update on the 3/5's activities in Afghanistan, adoption of the committee's mission statement, explanation of the city's support, introduction of the chair and co-chair volunteers, discussion on the committee's principal goals and objectives and asking for volunteers to help meet these goals and objectives. Please come and help us to be able to provide encouragement, relief and comfort to the 3/5 Marines, Sailors and their families and please bring an unwrapped gift for a child, if you can, to be delivered to Camp Pendleton by the committee before the Holidays.

Closed Session - Conference with legal counsel re. existing litigation - Eric Young vs City of Laguna Hills. and Conference with Real Property Negotiators re lease of space at City Hall.


* INFORMATION, COMMENTS QUESTIONS and CONCERNS from Watch Dog Readers:

I am hopeful that with the re-election of Melody Carruth and the election of newcomer Barbara Kogerman, this change in the Laguna Hills city council means that five individuals, elected by the people, will put their very best independent efforts into governing this city with the interests and needs of our residents put above all else. I am hopeful that this election can be put behind us quickly because there is work to be done. I will never ignore the trust you have placed in me to properly govern our city. You will always have my attention, and I ask for your input on items that interest you. Thank you for your support, your confidence and your vote. Many of you have told me that you intend to attend the December 14th City Council Meeting where we will celebrate the swearing in of the three candidates who won this election. I appreciate your support. In the lobby of the Civic Center you will find a box for toy collections for our 3/5 USMC Battalion. Would you please bring a new, unwrapped toy for one of our Marine’s kids? Mayor Randal Bressette


How wonderful it is to hear that we are finally getting some support from this City for our Adopted 3/5 Marines. Those Marines in Afghanistan aren't given choices about protecting us so we need to do all we can for them. I hope we can really honor them now. We are looking forward to more positive changes with the new city council majority in 2011. Thankful Citizen

We were all delighted to see there was no raise or bonus for the City Manager this year and we hope for the Assistant City Manager as well. This was a long time coming and no raises or bonuses for these 2 should continue for a long time to come. If those 2 can't do their job well for the money they are overpaid now let them find something better and let's get moving on changing things so that all city employees begin paying their own "employee contributions" for all of their retirement plans. We are supposed to be running a city not a charity for employees. The employees are well paid, there is a big difference between that and scalping the citizens for over the top employee benefits. Hope these bad practices will disappear with Council Member Scott. Citizen for Sensible City Government

Why do we need City Views Magazine? I especially like the Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement. Clearly drafted by a City Council with two attorneys on it. Do Council Members really need to be indemnified? While the City celebrates their new "tenants", the Orange County Clerk Recorder and the South Orange County Chamber of Commerce, I must point out commercial vacancy is at an all time high in Orange County. Why is government competing with the private sector to lease space to favored businesses. Also, think of what it costs in "City Views" to promote "Your Tax Dollars at Work!". When I drive on La Paz I can figure out that the intersection is being improved and that it is paid for with tax dollars. I'm also thrilled to know I can now "Twitter" the City. Let's Get Real

In City Views I see our Engineering, Planning and Building Counter is open from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm Monday thru Thursday and 1 pm to 5:00 pm on Friday. I guess City employees need to get home early on Friday? Whatever happened to 8:00 to 5:00. How many dollars are being spent in this area today with the construction slowdown vs. at the height of the building boom? I guarantee you that there has not been the kind of cost cutting in this City that would happen in private industry given the downturn. Let's get the city running for the citizens. LH Citizen

A tremendous problem at Laguna Village end of Lake Forest in Laguna Hills bordering hills and open area the large coyotes approach here where small kids play people walk dogs many of small sizes every week signs on mailboxes cats missing "ran out got lost" children missing their pets we need to do something trap or ? Mr C

* How to support the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Division Adopted by the City of Laguna Hills e-mail 3/5-Support@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us to reach the city or e-mail 35bland@gmail.com to reach the chairman of the 3/5 Marines support committee

The first official support committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 30th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Laguna Hills Community Center. The agenda will include: an update on the 3/5's activities in Afghanistan, adoption of the committee's mission statement, explanation of the city's support, introduction of the chair and co-chair volunteers, discussion on the committee's principal goals and objectives and asking for volunteers to help meet these goals and objectives. Please come and help us to be able to provide encouragement, relief and comfort to the 3/5 Marines, Sailors and their families and please bring an unwrapped gift for a child, if you can, to be delivered to Camp Pendleton by the committee before the Holidays.

The Rotary Club of Coto de Caza/Rancho Santa Margarita is partnering with the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA to launch Families Left Behind, which will donate holiday meals to troops’ families, including the city’s adopted 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines of the 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton. A $20 donation will purchase a holiday ham for a family of four, or additional food items for the families of service men and women. Send donations to: The Rotary Foundation of Coto de Caza/Trabuco Canyon, P.O. Box 80914, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.

OCREGISTER: City funds re-establishment of Marines support committee http://www.ocregister.com/news/committee-275318-city-support.html

OCREGISTER: City to look at renewing support for Marine battalion
http://www.ocregister.com/news/support-266469-city-battalion.html

* News Stories and Blogs about Laguna Hills:

OCREGISTER: Kenneth Frank: In defense of city managers
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/city-277030-manager-laguna.html

"Citizens, in turn, must do their part to foster civic pride. They should demand that city council and planning meetings be televised and streamed online. And they need to become involved. In Laguna Beach, we have numerous homeowners associations and environmental, business and labor groups that encourage the exchange of ideas and enhance the interactivity between residents and elected officials."

OCREGISTER: Chris Norby: Local officials susceptible to 'Bell syndrome'
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/elected-276253-city-syndrome.html
"Bell syndrome thrives where elected boards vote in lockstep, where groupthink is elevated, and skeptics are ostracized, and where top staff are seen as irreplaceable experts – with rubber-stamped salaries to prove it. Bell syndrome thrives when self-congratulation trumps self-examination."

Election 2010:Updated Orange County city results:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/results-273313-county-election.html?data

Imperfect, one-stop shopping for city salary data
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/10/25/imperfect-one-stop-shopping-for-city-salary-data/66812/

State Controller John Chaing's Office
http://www.sco.ca.gov/noncompliant_reports.html#cities2

Transparency honor goes to Brandman students, law passes
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/09/01/transparency-honor-goes-to-brandman-students/63589/

OC has two of state’s best-paid city managers
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/09/17/oc-has-two-of-states-best-paid-city-managers/64492/

OC Register Editorial: City pay data belongs in daylight
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/city-261556-compensation-cities.html

Proposed California law would sanction cities that pay excessive salaries
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-bell-legislation-20100812,0,4204782,email.story


* City Council Members Say the Darndest Things in Public? Memorable and surprising Public Quotes from City Council Members

June 10, 2008 - Mayor Allan Songstad said "We have to go through a bidding process and sometimes the low bidder is not always the best contractor, but sometimes that's what we're stuck with."
Thank you Council Member Songstad, that is exactly what we have been trying to tell you about the Laguna Hills City Council "sticking " the residents with the same bad vendor - The Orange County Animal Shelter for the past 19 years.

October 25, 2005 - Mayor Allan Songstad, speaking about the Laguna Hills City Council said, "When you've been doing business in a certain way for 13 years you're not likely to change that."
So true, Allan, so unfortunately true unless you change members of the city council.

August 19, 1994 - LHCC Member Allan Songstad - From the Los Angeles Times Newspaper Article Collections - Orange County Focus August 19, 1994LYNN FRANEY - Laguna Hills Councilman Declines to Run for Reelection With Councilman L. Allan Songstad Jr. declining to run for reelection, at least one newcomer will gain a seat on the City Council this fall. Songstad said he never intended to run for a second council term and that he is not a "career politician." That leaves space for at least one of the challengers, Cindy Greengold, Saeid Hariri, Grant R. Marcus or Charmane Riggs.
Now, in 2010 with 18 years on the Laguna Hills City Council we are guessing Council Member Songstad has changed his mind about being not being a "career politician."


* For "CRIME IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD" Updates - go to: www.ocregister.com/saddleback scroll down to "Local Maps" Click on OCSC Crime Calls in the pull doewn box that says "MORE" move the map to your area, and click on the crime icons for details that show calls to the OC Sheriff's Department. You can also see stats for Crime in Lake Forest & Laguna Hills on Fridays in the Saddleback Valley News that is delivered to our area.
There is more information at www.ocsd.org (the OC Sheriff's Dept.) click on "E-Services" for the pull down menu, next click on "Sheriff's Blotter" then click "Laguna Hills" for the 7 or 30 day view.
* For LIVE TRAFFIC MAPS Caltrans Online Traffic Maps to instantly check traffic and any incidents on the 405/5 freeways at any time of day. On the tool bar, you can hit "Change Cities," and it shows whatever you put in there - inland, San Diego,etc. (**Thank you to Dee Dee McGann-Gollwitzer for this!) http://www.sigalert.com/map.asp?Region=Orange+County#lat=33.69964&lon=-117.80006&z=1

You can contact all of the Laguna Hills City Council Members at: ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us phone: 949-707-2610 fax: 949-707-2614 We learned that citizens who have concerns about the city, their neighborhoods, etc. should address them to the City Council Members at: ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us . That way all the council members will be equally aware of the concerns of citizens. Council members can route complaints to appropriate departments and/or answer concerns individually as needed. If citizens address concerns only to individual council members or to staff, those concerns often do not reach all council members to allow appropriate feedback.

* Reminders and Directions for Newspaper Letters to the Editor
To write letters to the editor of the Orange County Register newspaper: letters@ocregister.com Provide your name and telephone number (telephone numbers will not be published). Letters of about 200 words will be given preference. Letters will be edited for length, grammar and clarity.
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