December 14, 2010 - Laguna Hills City Council Meeting
All Council Members were present except Outgoing Council Member Craig Scott
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City Council Reorganization - Certification of the General Election held on November 2, 2010 declaring the vote on Measure T ( Term Limits Measure) and the votes for City Council Members. Mayor Bressette started the meeting again with a moment of silence for our City's adopted 3/5 Marines who recently lost 3 more men. The total is now 20 killed in action and 70 wounded.

Installation of Council Members - Oaths of Office for the Council Members were administered by CA. State Assembly Person Diane Harkey.

Presentations and Proclamations - Mayor Bressette presented a Certificate of Recognition to Cameron Manor, Laguna Hills Resident and Discovery Girl Magazine's Top Role Model - This 11 yr. old 6th grader was one of 12 winners (from 2,000 girls across the nation) in the tween magazine's contest to find a national role model and traveled to San Francisco, with the other winners, for a special edition photo shoot for the Magazine. Cameron's Autobiographical story "Sisters" made the cover of the March/April edition of the magazine "Stone Soup" and nearly a dozen of her poems have appeared in the LA Times Newspaper. She also bakes and delivers free cakes to the elderly and nurtures butterflies in her yard to release when they are ready. She has a volunteer position as a butterfly caretaker in the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach and creates science and nature videos for kids. You can go to http://www.stonesoup.com/archive/stories?sid=4 to hear and read Cameron's Story in "Stone Soup". Cameron commented that she had a really great experience in San Francisco meeting the other 11 winners of this contest and said she was really honored to be here right now receiving this award and really proud to be from Laguna Hills. There was a lot of applause for this young lady!

Public Comments -

Mike Bland, Chairman of Laguna Hills Adopted Marines Support Group issued an invitation to 11 year old Cameron Manor, the Top Role Model Winner, to join the Marines Support Committee. He then gave a quick review of the first 2 committee meetings. He thanked the very generous and supportive citizens of Laguna Hills for the successful Toy Drive for the families of the Marines. He thanked citizens for the School Supplies, pencils, erasers, notebooks and crayons, for the Marines to distribute to the school children of Afghanistan, that are coming in from donations from citizens including a $1000 donation from Boise Cascade Building Materials Distribution and Office Max. He also introduced the new "SOCK" IT TO OUR 3/5 MARINES campaign (Thank you to Jonathan Bromberg for our catchy campaign title!) to supply warm comfortable socks directly to our 3/5 Marines in Afghanistan. Because the Marines appreciate the simplest of things that we take for granted such as comfortable socks, we hope to send many boxes of socks by January 10th. For only $11.00, you can bring 2 sets of soft, clean relief to a Marine's tired feet. Please join us in showing our Marines they are appreciated! If you want to participate, please make your checks payable "City of Laguna Hills" and write on your check "Socks for 3/5". Mail checks to 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 350, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Connie Bon, Laguna Hills Resident in Moulton Ranch, stated she serves on the HOA Board in her community and expressed that the voters of Laguna Hills have resoundingly voted in Council Member Barbara Kogerman as an agent of change. She continued that with Kogerman's strong background in business and local government and positive and aggressive platform for change, she would make an excellent Mayor. She said the large majority of voters who voted for Kogerman are expecting to see change and she canvassed all of Moulton Ranch and other areas in Laguna Hills who also are expecting change.

Melissa Mc Donald, Laguna Hills Resident, said she missed the recent Coyote Control Meeting at the Community Center but wanted to express that there are negative consequences related to killing Coyotes and wants to be sure the city council recognizes the need for the entire community to co-exist with the Coyotes effectively. She said she will come back when this item is on the City Council Agenda and give more information about this.

LHHS Student Liaison Report by Mike Spain - It was announced by Mayor Bressette that Mike Spain has recently received a nomination to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Mike received congratulations and applause for this very significant accomplishment. Mike announced that tardiness to class at LHHS has increased dramatically with 76 kids each accumulating 4 tardies in the month of November and an average of 33 kids being late to class each day. The tutoring program is expanding now with more kids showing up each week. The Dinner Murder Mystery was a success, the Wrestling Team Dinner was a success and the team is doing very well. The Boys and Girls Soccer Teams are donating used soccer balls and Soccer equipment to 3rd world countries and currently to Morocco. They are collecting donations of soccer equipment from the public to pass on. Just contact the high school for information re. where to drop off any donations.

Comments by Outgoing Mayor Bressette - Mayor Bressette said this has been a year of intense scrutiny, strong debate, change and revolution that he believes will create a stronger, more responsive and more transparent city government. He said city staff and council acted and reacted sometimes poorly to this revolution, but continued to serve the people. He noted the following accomplishments: Refinancing of the City's Bond debt that will save $1 million over the life of the debt,
Renovation of the Courtyard at La Paz Shopping Center.
Exciting changes from Simon Properties to the Laguna Hills Mall coming in 2011 .
Community Block Grants the city passed through to the Florence Sylvester Senior Center for needed repairs
Dial a taxi program for Seniors that started this year.
Annual Community Development Block Grant Funds for renovations of properties in the Aliso Meadows Community Association in the Via Lomas area = $1.9 million to date.
City Council Chambers Murals depicting early Laguna Hills and the Saddleback Valley connected to an online curriculum guide for students in the local elementary schools.
Revival of the City's Adopted 3/5 Marines Support Committee and what it has already accomplished through the generosity of the community. He said it appears that almost 500 toys will have been donated to the 3/5 Marine families by the end date of Dec. 18, plus thousands of school supplies for the Marines to use for public outreach in Afghanistan are coming in and the City is starting to receive contributions for socks for the Marines in Afghanistan as well. He thanked Mike Bland and Council Member Carruth for their help with the Marines Support, he thanked Santa for the annual Breakfast with Santa Event and concluded that he believes the people of Laguna Hills are the most generous people in the world and thanked the citizens for the opportunity to serve as Mayor this year.

Election of new Mayor for 2011 and a Mayor Pro Tempore -

Council Member Melody Carruth nominated Allan Songstad for Mayor and the council passed that with a 4 - 1 vote. The no vote was from Council Member Barbara Kogerman. The new Mayor then recognized the outgoing Mayor's accomplishments in what he called a challenging and sometimes contentious year with a Resolution and a Plaque. To the list of accomplishments he added assisting youth sports Little League.
New Mayor Songstad then nominated Melody Carruth as Mayor Pro Tempore. Vote passed 5 - 0.

Remarks of newly elected Mayor and Council Members -
Mayor Songstad acknowledged that many people were surprised to see him as Mayor and said he was surprised himself. He said this will be a challenging and exciting year in Laguna Hills and added he thought our new council member would be helpful. He said he sees his job as bringing the council together for the benefit of Laguna Hills residents. He noted this is the budget cycle year for the City's 2 year budget cycle. He said we need to juggle revenues and budget forecasting to meet the needs of citizens and prioritize as best we can. He encouraged citizens to attend budget workshops and meetings to incorporate their ideas. (Budget Meetings will not start until March) He reiterated that although funds are dwindling good things are expected from the mall. He also noted plans for the development of the Oakbrook Mall and the Moulton La Paz Center as vital to increasing revenues to be able to do more things. He admitted to being tired of seeing revenues remain stagnant. He mentioned Public Safety is a major concern and a goal of his. He said there was a significant decrease of part one (most serious) crimes last year and said he wanted that to continue. (Editor's Note - Songstad did not mention bringing back either or both of the 2 Special Enforcement Team (SET) Sheriff's deputies were dropped in June of 2009, with his approval). He noted his next goal was to increase transparency and trust and stated he would like to move forward with streaming online or broadcast TV of the council meetings. He said out of this challenging election cycle will come new and good ideas. He said since incorporation the city has been well run, thanked the council members the opportunity to serve and said he hoped people would also feel good about that by the end of his term.

Council Member Barbara Kogerman stated she was elected on a platform of transparency and accountability so she was glad to hear Songstad say he was in favor of web streaming the city council meetings so hopefully Jean Bland/Laguna Hills Watch Dog would not have to always be the only conduit to the community for everything that goes on here. She reaffirmed that the city council needs to be accountable to the voters and the only that can happen is through complete transparency including complete reporting of information on the city web site. She thanked the community for all their support and ideas. She said we have to concentrate more on the budget, look at it in a new way, reorder our priorities with less in the area of excess city management compensation and invest more in our citizens including public safety. She acknowledged the 75% support of citizens for Term Limits and thanked them for supporting that effort and other needed reforms. She said she is looking forward to the city council hearing, taking seriously and acting on that message of change from the citizens.

Council Member Carruth welcomed the residents that had packed city hall for this occasion and the new city council member Barbara Kogerman. She said she was happy the term limits went well and looks forward to coordinating efforts on the budget process to implement some of the changes, issues that were raised during the council election.

Council Member Randy Bressette welcomed Council Member Kogerman. He thanked his supporters and his wife Mav. He declared that his goals and objectives have been clearly stated and he will not waver until they are met. He said a member of another city council told him that because of the changes on the Laguna Hills City Council it would no longer be the most boring city council in Orange County. He said he wants this council to be known for being exciting and productive. He said the council works best when it works together which is not simple but should be done with the best interests of the city in mind.

Council Member Joel Lautenschleger said he is looking forward to a productive year. He said "It was a campaign like no other," but is looking forward to positive developments. He said he knows we have different ideas but understands that council members are servants of the people, then he said the council has always been able to put their immediate needs aside to look to what was best for the entire city.

Minutes - The City Council always approves the Minutes of the previous City Council Meeting for publication on the City web site after they are edited and approved for publication at the next City Council Meeting so there is a long delay for the public related to information from each meeting.

Consent Calendar- Warrant Register = $152,740.60

Warrant Register Items of Interest that probably should require some additional explanation - None

Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar some of which probably should require some discussion for the public -

Item 4.10 - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010 - with independent auditor's report from Nissm Levy & Hartzheim, LLP including findings that there are no significant audit adjustments resulting from the audit, no material internal weaknesses in internal control, and no disagreements with management on financial accounting and reporting matters during this audit.
** Editor's note - This City is again touting it's past history of Government Finance Officers Assoc. (GFOA) awards for excellence in Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting. Although we believe staff does the best job they are allowed to do, we discovered last year that many things are buried and/or minimized in the budget for this City and that the GFOA web site at www.gfoa.org states GFOA is a membership organization a city the size of Laguna Hills can join for a base membership fee of $250. It is open to anyone whose career, studies or interests involve government financial management in the United States and Canada. The fee based organization offers annual conferences, and training programs, etc., and encourages its members who meet its standards through awards including the "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award". In 2008 there were 7312 award winners and 410 winners in CA. among the members of this organization including Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, Lake Forest Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County. So, this City will probably be recognized again with this award but citizens are looking for public disclosure now.

Item 4.11 - Recommendation for Resolution for 3 No Stopping Anytime Zones on Via Lomas Street related to a history of auto accidents. Fiscal Impact for the signs - $750.00

Item 4.12 - Designation of 12 Assistant City Attorneys and 20 Deputy City Attorneys for the City from the Law Firm of Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart.

Item 4.3 - Recognition of Outgoing Council Member R. Craig Scott who had been on the Council since 1991 when the City was incorporated until he lost his position in the recent election. Craig Scott did not attend the council meeting to receive this award.

Item 4.5 - Annual Review of City's Investment Policies required by the State - Editor's Note - This item talks about but does not name the City Treasurer - Why Not?

Item 4.6 - Local Appointees for Commissions and Committees - State Law Government Codes sections 54972 - 54975 - Requires Cities to prepare and post an appointments list prior to Dec. 31. The State encourages "the vast and largely untapped reservoir of talent existing amount the citizenry" to be utilized by the cities and Laguna Hills has historically utilized only 2 - the Traffic and the Parks and Rec. Commissions. There is now also the Support Committee for the Adopted 3/5 Marines. The city needs to fill 3 vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Committee and 2 vacancies on the Traffic Commission. The Support Committee for the City's 3/5 Adopted Marines is welcoming new members. Please go to the home page on the City web site www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us to find additional information about the Commissions.

Item 4.7 - Development Fees for the City - Report addresses Public Art Fees, Traffic Mitigation Fees, and Quimby Act (for Parks and Recreation Facilities) Fees.

Item 4.8 - City is again Rejecting all bids for a planned project. Report states these bids were for the Community Center & Sports Complex, Playground Rennovation and Light Refurbishment and Costeau Park Playground Renovations, and because not all bids were consistent with the specification requirements everything now has to be re-advertised for bid. ** Editor's Note - This is the 2nd time in 2 months that Staff has rejected all bids and had to start over. In Oct. all 8 bids for the La Paz Rd. widening at I-5 were rejected and re-advertisement of the bids for that project was authorized because staff made an error in the original bid documents that could not be corrected after the award of contract, Fiscal Impact to the City was reported to be about $800.00 to issue the revised bids for that mishap. Staff failed to Report Responsibility and Fiscal Impact to the City for this problem - this failure to report is not compatible with transparency and accountability to the citizens.

Item 4.9 - Local Traffic Synchronization Plan - Report says in order for the City to continue to receive Measure M Funds the adoption of a Local Traffic Synchronization Plan is required. Staff has prepared a plad based upon the guidelines of the OCTA and adoption of that plan by the City Council is required.

Items Pulled from the Consent Calendar for Discussion - Item 4.11 (3 No Stopping Anytime Zones on Via Lomas) was pulled by Council Member Randy Bressette who stated that this eliminates 7 parking spaces for residents of this area so would like the residents to be given a chance to contribute their thoughts about this before a decision is made. Ken Rosenthal, Director of Public Services, City Engineer, confirmed that the residents had not been notified because in this case that was not required and the Traffic Commission took their information from the Aliso Meadow's Homeowner's Association HOA Board. Council members all discussed this and motion was made to notify the residents of the area, to give them a chance to contribute and to decide this issue at that time.
Vote - Motion passed 5 - 0.

City Council Public Hearing - Item 5.1 - Resolution to vacate and abandon the public service easement for open space purposes within the Moulton and La Paz Opportunity area - 3.365 acres of land on the corner of Moulton and La Paz.
Council Member Lautenschleger had to recuse himself from this discussion because he lives too close to this Center.

Public Comments - Micki Anderson from Laguna Niguel said she has a store "Stressbusters" in this small center and she favors the abandonment of this land to be used to upgrade the center which very much needs more businesses to become more vibrant and businesses have not wanted to come here related to the need for upgrading.
Council Member Kogerman spoke in favor of this.
Vote - Item passed 4 - 0

Administrative Reports -
Item 6.1A - City Manager's Year End Report - Please see online at City web site. Channing had nothing to add because the report was essentially given in the statements of the outgoing Mayor.

Item 6.2B City Council's Appointments of themselves to Various Agencies/Committees - Fire Authority appointment is open now related to the elimination of previous Council Member Craig Scott.

Audit Committee – Channing, Bressette, and Kogerman
California State Association of Counties Excess Insurance Authority - Representative - White
Civic Center Mgmt. Committee – Kogerman, Songstad, Channing White
Coastal Greenbelt Authority – Carruth
Exclusive Risk Management Authority - Staff - White
Growth Management Area 10 - Bressette, alternate Songstad , Staff - Channing
Housing Task force - Staff - Channing
Laguna Canyon Foundation – Carruth
League of CA. Cities Voting Delegate to Annual Conference - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem - so Songstad, alternate Carruth
League of CA. Cities, Orange County Division, City Selection Committee - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem - so Songstad, alternate Carruth
League of CA. Cities, Orange County Division, Executive Steering Committee - Songstad, past
League of CA. Cities, Orange County Division, Regular Meeting Voting Delegate - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem so Songstad, alternate Carruth
Operational Area Council (Emergency) - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem - so Songstad, alternate Carruth
OC Council of Governments (OCCOG) – Lautenschleger, alternate Kogerman
OC Emergency Mgmt. Asso. (OCEMA) - Chief of Police, alternate Sergeant
OC Fire Authority - Bressette, alternate Kogerman
OC Fire Authority TAC - Staff - Channing
OC Public Library System Board - Kogerman, alternate Lautenschleger
OC County Sheriff's Dept. TAC - Staff - Channing
OC Vector Control District - Carruth
Southern CA. Association of Governments (SCAG) – Lautenschleger, alternate Kogerman
Transportation Corridor Agency – Lautenschleger, alternate Carruth
Vote - all the Appointments passed 5 - 0.

Item 6.3A Need for Designation of a City Council Representative for the OC Transit System Study. Need delegate for 2 meetings only to review the bus system and the solvency issues, etc. Barbara Kogerman was appointed. Kogerman graciously accepted all of these appointments stating she welcomed the votes of confidence in her and the learning experiences as well as having a special interest in transportation.
** Editor's Note - Please check my math, if you are interested, and let me know if it's wrong. It appears the Appointments Totals are: Carruth = 8 (3 primary/5 alternate, Songstad = 7 (6 primary/1 alternate), Kogerman = 7 (4 primary/1 alternate), Lautenschleger = 4 (3 primary/1 alternate), Bressette = 3 (3 primary/0 alternate). I did the totals because there was some concern from the public in attendance that the rest of the council may have been snowing Kogerman with these appointments. We know now to always be checking on everything to keep 'em honest.

Matters Presented by Mayor & City Council Members -

Council Member Kogerman stated that having spent a lot of time in the audience it is difficult to distinguish and aye for a no and different voices so she asked that after every vote the vote be restated with who voted and how they voted or if it was unanimous.
**Editor's Note - Council Member Songstad agreed that the City Clerk could do that, and actually so could the Mayor.

Council Member Bressette thanked the Staff for Breakfast with Santa and noted that he and Council Member Carruth attended the Wrestler's Dinner at LHHS which was very good.

Council Member Carruth said she attended the LHHS concert in Laguna Woods and it was extraordinary. She also announced that The Bed Bugs are Coming per Vector Control apparently marching here from New York, so she offered to do a Public Education Presentation on that as needed. She said although they do not transmit disease and are not declared a "Vector" at this time, that declaration may happen in the future.

Council Member Songstad said he attended SCAG's Road to Recovery Summit in Los Angeles with people from 6 counties. One of the ideas expressed there was that the Governor of CA. be given emergency powers to declare and fiscal emergency.

Closed Session - Case of Eric Young re. bike accident.

Reported Results of Closed Session - This case is settled per Greg Simonian, City Attorney

Information, Comments, Questions and Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers -
Message from Council Member Barbara Kogerman re. Citizen Involvement in City Government -Vacancies are coming up on the Traffic Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. She urged anyone who is interested to apply right away. To find out more about the nature of these commissions you can visit the city web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us and click on Commissions and Committees to review recent minutes and agendas from these Commission and learn how to apply. She said she strongly favors the City creating commissions on Economic or Business Development, Fiscal Oversight, and forming an independent Planning Commission, as well as committees on Senior Services, Youth Services, Animal Services and Citizen Recognition. She said the city would benefit by taking advantage of the talented and educated citizens, as well as provide a "training ground" for future city leaders. She stressed that now that our City has term limits, we need to have a succession plan, and serving on such committees as well as on our current commissions will provide valuable experience.

We received a great many Messages and calls from Citizens who attended the Laguna Hills City Council Meeting on 12/14/10 where Allan Songstad was voted in as Mayor 4 to 1 by City Council Members. We could not publish them all here but have recorded a few messages below that expressed the views of most of the Citizens who contacted us:

So, what happened last night? What could Alan have promised Melody in return for that nomination? I don't for a hot New York minute believe that it came as a surprise to him since his facial expression remained unchanged AND, miraculously, he had a smooth statement apparently prepared in advance. Hope you got every sentence recorded, especially the part about transparency in order to 1) compare & contrast to previous statements and 2) hold him accountable for future statements. A Citizen who feels betrayed

I want to know why Carruth and Bressette, council members who just ran on a platform of transparency and accountability, voted for Songstad for Mayor last night? He recently voted several times against greater transparency in Compensation Reporting for City Management and he is the one who called for honesty in elections and then signed that idiot campaign letter for Craig Scott saying a female candidate was trying to eliminate all the male council members over 50. Is this city council incapable of understanding the citizens who just voted overwhelmingly for accountability and transparency or do they just not care, and believe that we will all forget again and continue to keep them around? Do we need a recall election? This is ridiculous! Better start planning for the next election now. Violated Voter

Songstad's long term majority lost this election, so why is he back in our faces rambling on for another year? Angry as H.

Perhaps electing Alan Mayor was a misplaced peacemaking effort by Melody and others on the city council to attempt to bring the council together again after a very contentious election, but it inappropriately ignores rather than acknowledges the Laguna Hills Citizens they are supposed to represent who clearly voted for CHANGE. Understands but doesn't agree

Congratulations to "newby" Kogerman for taking all the jobs the other council members foisted on her last night. They were obviously trying to snow her but she is not shirker! Fred T.

The Laguna Hills City Council as currently structured for 2011-2012 should consider a new construct based upon the election results from November. The voters, by ratifying Measure T and selecting a completely new city council candidate have chosen a new and progressive path. The voters now understand that they are in fact the Electors or to phrase it another way, we are the employers. When candidates seek elective office for the first time or campaign for reelection, they are in effect asking for a job or submitting to a performance review. Now that Laguna Hills voters have tasted victory, we will be closely observing the Council and their performance over the next 2 years. Are promises being kept? Are councils meetings televised? Is transparency truly achieved or is it merely an empty slogan? Are our adopted Marines really supported? Are you listening to us? A REALLY vigilant citizen.

Because we received so many not only disappointed but angry e-mails, phone calls and comments from Citizens about the nomination of Allan Songstad and votes for him as Mayor for 2011 we went directly to Council Member, who nominated him, and asked why when the citizens overwhelmingly voted for change (accountability and transparency) through their votes for term limits and for council members, are they now presented with a leader of the city council who is well documented as frequent opponent of change including transparency and accountability? Her response was:

"Allan Songstad may not share all of my views on certain governmental reforms. However, managing a city, representing the community and presiding over city council meetings requires far more than forging unilateral city policy agreement. City Councils make hundreds of decisions over the course of a year. Often there is consensus. Occasionally, certain decisions before the council elicit public discourse, healthy political debate, and the disagreement results in split votes. Sometimes Mr. Songstad and I agree and sometimes we do not.

The City of Laguna Hills, like other south county cities, uses a rotation process. This allows more councilmembers to have the opportunity to serve as the mayor. It seems to me a fair approach-like taking turns. Mr. Songstad and I were both in the line up to assume additional leadership responsibilities. I asked Mr. Songstad to consider serving in 2011, giving me the chance to preside as mayor in 2012. Mr. Songstad and I have worked together for several years. I nominated him because it was the right thing to do for the City of Laguna Hills.

Why didn't I nominate Mrs. Kogerman? Unseating a strong incumbent in 2002, I waited five years to be appointed mayor by the City Council. I do not think it would be proper or fair to proceed through an entire election cycle before Mrs. Kogerman assumes the office of mayor. I do think, however, that any new council member be given the opportunity to learn about the community, land use issues, capital improvement projects, budget process, regional concerns and what is involved in serving as mayor prior to assuming full responsibility. Barbara Kogerman will be a more effective, stronger mayor if she serves in a few years rather than in 2011." Melody Carruth

A Letter from Your 3/5 Commanding Officer December 11, 2010 by 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 8:51pm

Dear Darkhorse Friends and Family,

Happy holidays from your Marines and Sailors in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Thank you for attending tonight's Darkhorse Christmas party. First, I would like to thank all of the volunteers who have worked so hard to put this event together; this party would not have happened without your generosity and selfless support. Second, a special thanks goes out to the battalion's supporters from Mariners Church and the City of Laguna Hills who have given so much to our Marines and Sailors, and their families, to ensure that they have a wonderful and joyful holiday season. For that I am eternally grateful.

Finally, thank you to my Family Readiness Officer, Family Readiness Assistants, and Family Readiness Program volunteers for doing all manner of things to take care of this battalion's needs during this challengingand anxiety-filled deployment. I want to assure you that your Marines and Sailors are more focused and determined than ever to accomplish our assigned mission together, knowing that their families are behind them and taking care of business back at home.

The Marines and Sailors of the Battalion will certainly have a memorable Christmas here. We will have a special holiday dinner and most Marines should have a chance to call home. Christmas packages are starting to roll in and they are greatly appreciated. In fact, there is so much mail that we will probably still be receiving it in the middle of January because people have been so generous. The good news there is that our holiday season will continue until the last package arrives! We are truly blessed. In fact, your support and strength are especially important as we near the "half-way" point in this deployment, so that your Marine or Sailor can continue to focus on getting this difficult mission done and come home to you with a sense of accomplishment.

While we all wish we were home for the Christmas season, your Marine or Sailor is exactly where he needs to be right now-- taking the fight to the enemy and helping to rebuild Sangin, Afghanistan. Our mission is a historic one. I believe that one day we will be able to say that 3/5's success turned the tide in Sangin Afghanistan, solely on the courage and sacrifice of the fine men who fill the ranks of our battalion. Already,we have cleared portions of the District, reestablished freedom of movement for the people and its government, restarted the education of kids and adults alike, and driven the Taliban out of areas that they have controlled for years. Finally, the people of Sangin are optimistic for their future after three decades of war. You should be extremely proud of what your man has done for his Corps, country, and the future security of our Nation. I certainly am, and it is an honor to serve with them all.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakhuh, and Happy Holidays. We love you and are with you in spirit on this very special day. Semper Fidelis,, LtCol Morris Commanding Officer
(Thank you so much to Dee Dee McGann and Micki Zettel for getting this message to all of us!!!)

HOW TO SUPPORT our CITY'S 3/5 ADOPTED MARINES & Updates -
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 and you can Go to the City web site at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ and on the home page under News & Announcements click on: December 8, 2010 3-5 Battalion Support Committee Information Sheet

Toy Drive for Adopted Marines underway
http://www.ocregister.com/news/battalion-277978-marines-committee.html
Gift Box Collection locations at City Hall, the Community Center and the Nellie Gail HOA

A banner with the 3/5 Insignia will be installed on the exterior of the Laguna Hills Community Center with a light shining on it until the troops come home.

Understanding the 3/5 Marines Insignia Codes - The insignia of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines consists of a shield divided into quarters, a banner above the shield with word “DARKHORSE” replaced the phrase “CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALS.” The phrase "CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALS" was based upon a Presidential Unit Citation awarded to 5th Marines on 3 September 1968. The entire Regiment was cited for "consummate professionalism" during Operations Union I and II in the Republic of Vietnam. In 2005, while deployed, the battalion readopted their Korean War call sign of DARKHORSE in tribute to the fighting prowess of the battalion and to recognize the memory of its Korean War commanding officer Colonel Taplett, USMC (Ret) who passed away while the battalion was deployed.

There is a banner below the shield with the words "GET SOME." Lieutenant Colonel James M. Tully, USMC (Ret) Commanding Officer of the battalion (from February 23, 1973 to July 26, 1974) originated this insignia in 1973 upon the return of the Battalion from Vietnam. The phrase "GET SOME" was the motto of the Battalion in Vietnam. It is still in use and refers to giving the maximum effort to achieve the highest standards of achievement in peace and war.

In the shield, the upper right and lower left quarters have scarlet backgrounds surmounted by the numerals 3 and 5 respectively. The upper left and lower right quarters have gold backgrounds. The upper left is surmounted by three black fleurs-de-lis above the words "BELLEAU WOOD." The fleur-de-lis is the heraldic device, which was the armorial emblem of the Kings of France, and represents the Battalion's successes as part of the 4th Marine Brigade in France during World War One. The lower right quarter is surmounted by the word "VIETNAM" above five green bamboo stalks.

The 1st meeting of the City's Adopted 3/5 Marines Support Group took place on Nov. 30 with an enthusiastic group of approx. 30 people attending including 4 members of the City Council, Bressette, Carruth, Kogerman and Songstad. 3/5 Gunnery Sergeant Moreno spoke about the mission of the 3/5 in Afghanistan in the Sangin District where they are working closely every day with the people of Afghanistan to provide security and counter the insurgency. They are currently providing security for more than 3000 local farmers who are now growing wheat instead of poppies with seed provided by the Marines. They are also teaching the people to be their own police and Army. Sergeant Moreno told us that there have been 16 Marines from the 3/5 killed in action to date and many more wounded. He explained the KIA (Killed in Action) procedure in detail including the very high degree of attention and respect paid to the deceased Marine and to his family. Kim Reese, who works for the 3/5's Commanding Officer Lt. Col Morris, works with 3000 family members. She said she gives them good news reports, supports them in tough times and helps the young wives and families adjust to life on a Marine base from learning the very basics of how and where to find the Commissary to buy food to how to access all other needed services. Kim is also the Liaison from the 3/5 for the Laguna Hills Support Group. One of the large gift containers was filled to over flowing with toys, thanks to the generosity of the Laguna Hills Community. Those toys will be taken to a holiday dinner for the 3/5 families in Camp Pendleton on Dec. 11 to be distributed. There will be more toys and gift cards taken closer to Christmas. Mayor Bressette pointed out that even gasoline gift cards are very useful for many of the young families such as one young wife who drives 45 minutes each way every day to visit her wounded husband in the hospital. You can e-mail Mike Bland at 35bland@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, for information, about donations, etc. and the city e-mail for the 3/5 is 3/5-support@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us The City Clerk Peggy Johns is the City Liaison to the 3/5 Support Committee. Go to the City web site at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ and on the home page under News & Announcements click on: December 8, 2010 3-5 Battalion Support Committee Information Sheet

Thank you to Micki Zettel for this - A very poignant message for all regarding our Armed Forces in the field - YouTube - A Different Christmas Poem

NEWS STORIES & Blogs about or pertaining to Laguna Hills -

Who has the best-paid city council in California? (updated)http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/02/who-has-the-best-paid-city-council-in-california/69418/
Numbers for the Laguna Hills City Council - 2009/10

Wages, Pension, Employer Contribution, Employer Health Contribution, Total
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 30,519, 38,527
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 26,051, 34,059
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 26,048, 34,056
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 24,656, 32,664
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 14,296, 22,304

In Laguna Hills the Taxpayers pay the entire cost of heath care premiums for the elected part time city council members and their families. In addition, the City Manager's contract states "To the extent that payment of all or any portion of the dependent rate of premium, is not approved by the city council for all city employees, Channing shall be entitled to a salary increase or cash payment sufficient to cover the amount of premium or rate for dependent coverage not provided by the City plus applicable income taxes on that amount."

O.C. cities lavished health benefits on council members
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/06/oc-cities-lavished-health-benefits-on-council-members/69544/

Vote! Should part-time councilfolk get full-blown benefits?http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/06/vote-should-part-time-councilfolk-get-full-blown-benefits/69750/

Toy Drive for Adopted Marines underway
http://www.ocregister.com/news/battalion-277978-marines-committee.html

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?

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 we change the city council members.

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."

CRIME in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Updates -
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.

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

How to CONTACT the LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS -
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