Laguna Hills Watch Dog
Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - March 13, 2012

Very Special Announcement - Introduction of Candidates for the 2012 Laguna Hills City Council Election 

A NEW VISION FOR LAGUNA HILLS

We’ve all heard at least one Laguna Hills citizen ask, “Why do we need a new vision for the City; don’t we have nice parks and good roads?”

But nice parks and good roads aren’t enough to make a city great. A great city needs exactly what’s missing in Laguna Hills—citizen participation. It’s not that our residents haven’t tried to participate effectively. They have, many times. Unfortunately the City Council majority that has dominated Laguna Hills’ political process for the past 20 years has resolutely minimized opportunities for our residents to contribute. The current Council majority has apparently determined that there is no room in the process for mere citizens to impact how the city is run. That Council majority instead reserves all creative thought and actions as their sole domain. For 20 years that system worked to obscure their failures to adequately, honestly, and transparently perform the work of our people. That system prevailed until the election of Councilmember Barbara Kogerman in 2010, with her efforts to make city matters more transparent.

But as we’ve witnessed in 2011, Councilmember Kogerman can’t solely undo 20 years of self-centered governance. Now I can officially tell you: true reform is on its way—a “New Vision” in the form of two incredible candidates for the City Council election on November 6, 2012.

I have met individually with these two candidates and on Tuesday, March 7, I had the distinct pleasure of observing these two candidates standing tall in a room full of concerned Laguna Hills activists as they were peppered with questions. They each took the floor and elegantly delivered a New Vision for the City of Laguna Hills. This New Vision concentrates on promoting citizen involvement.   Yes, they support a citizen-based Planning Commission. Yes, they support greater involvement by the City for Business Development, Seniors, School District and Youth and Sports issues. Yes, they believe that good roads and parks are part of a great city’s governance. But foremost, their primary focus is how municipal governance addresses the rest of the needs of its citizens—needs that have for 20 years been overlooked, ignored or rejected.

WHO ARE THESE INCREDIBLE CANDIDATES?

Their names are known to a large portion of our citizenry.

THE FIRST IS A PROVEN COMMUNITY LEADER.

Dr. Raghu Mathur, who was instrumental in leading the community of Laguna Hills out of its unincorporated County-governed status and forming the City of Laguna Hills, has committed himself to a New Vision for Laguna Hills in his candidacy for City Council 2012. Dr. Mathur has been a resident of our community for the past 32 years.

Dr. Mathur has served as a President of the Laguna Hills Homeowners’ Association; Elected Member, Board of Trustees, Saddleback Valley Unified School District (9 years); President, Irvine Valley College (5 years); and the Chancellor, South Orange County Community College (9 years) where he oversaw all strategic planning, technology, compensation negotiations and managed a budget slightly under a half billion dollars.

He is married to Karuna and has two sons, both Laguna Hills High School graduates now in college. Dr. Mathur holds a B.S (Honors) in Chemistry, Geology, and Geography, an M.S. in Chemistry and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Mathur currently serves as the Chair, College of Education, Argosy University, Orange, California.

THE SECOND INCREDIBLE CANDIDATE IS A SUCCESSFUL SELF-MADE BUSINESSMAN.

Mr. Andrew Blount is the iconic self-made entrepreneur, who at eight years of age wrote computer software and sold his first program. Now with 30 years of hands-on experience creating commercial real estate and financial analysis software, Andrew is committed to applying his professional leadership in business growth, negotiation, marketing, and technology development to the needs of the City of Laguna Hills. Andrew came to California with $17 in his pocket and a passion to do something great. After 20 years of numerous business successes, Andrew has become the financially independent Investment Advisor and founder of Blue Cielo Capital Management.

Andrew never forgets his humble roots. He and his wife Michelle have a strong passion for both charity and community. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees for the Orange County High School of the Arts, the Blounts grace the City of Laguna Hills with their extraordinary Christmas light show. This display features a plethora of dancing lights and multiple-story villages in their Laguna Hills home and helps the Blounts collect many hundreds of toys for needy children. Their 2011 Christmas spectacular was featured on the cover of the Orange County Register and drew thousands of delighted visitors. One of those 2011 Christmas visitors was a very special child with a life threatening ailment on an outing from his hospital and, accompanied by parents, forced to question his fate each new day. After visiting the Blount home, the little boy proclaimed with the biggest smile on his face, “. . today is the very best day of my life.” Tears flowed abundantly.

Besides his business acumen, genius, and common sense, Andrew’s core value remains his generosity. Having been blessed with numerous accomplishments, Andrew possesses the strong desire to give back to the community that he loves, Laguna Hills.

LAGUNA HILLS RESIDENTS AND THIS WATCH DOG BLOG HAVE LONG BEEN ASKING FOR A NEW DIRECTION –A NEW VISION—FOR OUR CITY.

NOW WITH TWO INCREDIBLE CANDIDATES, THAT IS WITHIN OUR REACH IN 2012.

THE REST IS UP TO US.

Jean Bland, Editor, Laguna Hills Watch Dog


Features Directory

**Special Announcements - You can now see and hear City Council Meetings on the City's Web Site, CONTACT LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS at - ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

** The Laguna Hills Adopted 3/5 Marines support group, Team Dark Horse, needs a One Time Volunteer "Organizer" for this year's April 21 annual Swap Meet at the Laguna Hills High School to raise funds for Team Dark Horse to use to Support our 3/5 Marines at Camp Pendleton. This will involve people collecting donated items and storing them, set up and take down of tables at the event, and manning the tables for the day, to sell donated items. Team Dark Horse is a 501 (c) (3) organization and will give credits for this volunteer service that would begin to organize as soon a possible and extend through April 21, 2012. There are some support people already in place. Please contact Mike Bland at 35bland@gmail.com for more information.

** Dr. Fred Smoller, the Brandman University Professor of Public Administration, "who offended the power elite" when his Master's Degree students won awards assisting Council Member Kogerman to research the total compensation of City Managers in Orange County- http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/10/12/professor-who-offended-power-elite-resigns-post/109833/  was recently recognized again, this time in a letter from Michael D. Ellzey, Chief Executive Officer of the Orange County Great Park Corporation, dated February 28, 2012 stating:

"I want to personally think you for your support of the Orange County Great Park and for our commitment to the belief that the Solar Decathlon event and the Great Park are perfectly matched. You first brought this event to my attention more than a year ago and proposed the idea of hosting the 2012 Solar Decathlon at the Orange County Great Park. For that foresight, I am appreciative. Your assistance in bridging early communication between there Great Park and the Solar Decathlon officials, along with your efforts in securing this prestigious event were important to the team effort. Tim Shaw and I welcome your input as we plan for a successful event in the fall of 2013."

**Citizen Alerts for future City Council Meetings will be listed on the blog site within 4 days prior to a meeting - Consider attending a meeting that interests you.

** Presentations and Proclamations - Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and Certificates and "Speaking Up For The Regional Business Community". by Jim Leach, Chief Executive Officer of the South Orange County Economic Coalition
** Public Comments - Win-Win-Wednesday's Meg Gorham reports updates to the system
** LHHS Student Liaison Report by Adam Wong - Accreditation Report, Drama Dept. Competition, Comedy Sports Match, International Week, Spring Musical and Winning Lady Hawks
** Consent Calendar - Warrant Register - $354,588.60
** Items Pulled from the Warrant Register - None
** Items of interest in the Consent Calendar - 4.3 - Community Services Year End Report, 4.4 Adoption of an Ordinance implementing the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 replacing Cable Television Franchise Regulations. (discussed in the Feb. 28 City Council Meeting Report) 4.5 Cost Sharing agreement for Pacific Park Dr./Oso Pkwy street improvements with City of Aliso Viejo.
** Items pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion - 4.3 - Community Services Year End Report losses and 4.5 Cost Sharing agreement for Pacific Park Dr./Oso Pkwy street improvements with City of Aliso Viejo - how much did we save?
** Planning Agency Public Hearings  A business tenant's request for City's help during the the renovation at the La Paz/Moulton Shopping Center.
5.4.1 - A request to Modify the Existing Master Sign Program for the Ashley Furniture Center to including a neighboring business.  Heated discussion re. 14 inch reconfiguration of sign.  
5.4.2 - A request by AT&T Mobility to add 2 additional microwave dish antennas to the existing Communications Facility on Nellie Gail Rd. was continued to the April 10, 2012 planning Agency Meeting.
** City Council Public Hearings - Administrative Reports - None
** Matters Agendized and Presented by Council Members - None
** City Council Member Comments - Is City Views all useful information or is there some Puffery at taxpayer expense? 
** Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation. Conference with real property negotiators re. City owned land sale on corner of Moulton Pkwy and La Paz Rd.
* City Council Members Report Card - How did they score?
* Information, Comments, Questions, Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers from the previous blog post including Win-Win-Wednesday + Comments on: City Views, The last animal shelter report from the Assist. City Manager, Honoring Residents who volunteer, Massage Parlors, Oakbrook Village's housing density plan, A display of Patriotism 
* How to support our 3/5 Adopted Marines and Updates - Volunteers needed please see Special Announcements Above
* News Stories and Blogs about Laguna Hills - find more in the OC Register online under "City-by-City News" - "Laguna Hills".
* City Council Members Say the Darndest Things in Public
* Crime in your Neighborhood * Instructions for Writing a letter to the Editor of the OC Register Newspaper

Laguna Hills City Council Meeting 
March 13, 2012 - All council members were present
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See information for Win-Win -Wednesdays under - INFORMATION, COMMENTS QUESTIONS and CONCERNS from Watch Dog Readers, Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at - ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

PRESENTATIONS and PROCLAMATIONS - Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and Certificates of Recognition for the City's Biennium Budget beginning July 1, 2011 Budget Presentation to Janice Mateo Reyes, Finance Manager, Melissa Au-Yeung, Senior Management Analyst, and Don White, Assistant City Manager.
Editor's Note - Go to the GFOA web site at http://www.gfoa.org/  to see the GFOA Member Award Winners for Distinguished Budget Presentation by State/Province during fiscal year 2009. There are 126 CA. cities, counties and districts that received this award in CA. including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente in So. OC. The GFOA established the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program in 1984 to encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices on budgeting and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.

Presentation entitled "Speaking Up For The Regional Business Community" by Jim Leach, Chief Executive Officer of the South Orange County Economic Coalition, a division of the South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jim Leach explained that the South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce encompasses the South Orange County Economic Coalition that has a regional focus, was formed about 3 years ago and supports: Fostering more investment in the region's Transportation Infrastructure, Regional availability of Water Resources (he noted that So. OC has no native ground water), Workforce Development opportunities that build jobs and Adequate Supply of high quality reasonably priced Housing. He said he was here asking for an endorsement for participation from the City, but there is no charge to join.  He explained that when asked the South Orange County Economic Coalition comes in and supports business especially when councils are subjected to a lot of unpleasantness by people in the community who have an ax to grind.

The South Orange County Economic Coalition lobbies locally and at the State level in favor of issues that advance opportunities for business in the So. OC Region such as: Completion of the 241 Toll Rd., SDG & E's Reliability Enhancement Project, Re-certification of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Santa Margarita Water District's Cadiz Valley Water Conservation Recovery Source Project re. capturing ground water in the desert and storing it, Poseidon Resources Sea Water Desalinization Project in Huntington Beach. They lobbied against the Mission Viejo "Right to Vote" Amendment regarding not allowing changes to the City's General Plan and lobbied for passage of the 2010 San Juan Capistrano's San Juan Meadows and Disto La Novia Project. They Identify Issues, Plan, Raise Funds and Educate. Their region includes Irvine and everything South to Camp Pendleton. Their Philosophy is, "A rising tide raises all boats" and Mission is to Promote Job Creation within the region and fundamentally help and build a strong economy local and regional economy.

Jim said they encourage cities to have their own Chambers of Commerce and they will work with and assist those City Chambers of Commerce. He noted that the individual City Chambers of Commerce volunteers can do a better job representing the small businesses in their own cities related to business to business work, networking, mixers and the variety of other things that happen in a local community. It was noted that Laguna Hills does not have a Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Chamber is still watching for leadership to emerge for that from the community.

Council Member Kogerman asked how cities can facilitate the formation of new Chambers of Commerce in their cities. Jim responded that there are resources within the Chamber to help give direction to volunteers to assist them to build web sites, to communicate and organize and have all the legal underpinnings of a Chamber of Commerce, to gain relationships and to know the other Chambers of Commerce Organizations to which most Chamber belong. They also offer help thorough promotions and events promoting membership within the Chambers. He noted that the Laguna Niguel's Chamber office is located in their City Hall at a reduced rate.

PUBLIC COMMENTS -

Meg Gorham from Win-Win-Wednesdays, a major fund raiser for worthwhile programs through the LHHS PTSA.  Win-Win-Wednesdays raises funds through the public downloading flyers from their web site at www.WinWinWednesdays.com and eating at local food establishments that are designated for specific Wednesdays. When they receive a Win-Win-Wednesday flyer those food establishments donate a portion of the price of the meals to the LHHS PTSA. Meg noted a couple of Major Developments by people carrying W-W-Wednesday into the next generation through their tech. support backgrounds. Brad Schofield, is the new Student web site manager who is transitioning in now. Meg's new partner, Diane, developed an e-blast so all the public has to do is subscribe at WinWinWednesdays@gmail.com to automatically receive weekly e-mail reminders of Wednesday dates and times for specific food establishments. Wed. March 21 is Villa Roma in Laguna Hills from 11 am to 9 pm - be sure to download your flyer at www.WinWinWednesdays.com

LHHS STUDENT LIAISON REPORT by Adam Wong -

Accreditation through WASC is now over and has resulted in tremendous gains in test scores despite the financial crisis and budget cuts. LHHS Drama Dept. entered a competitive Fullerton Festival on the 16th and 17th competing against other schools in So. CA. in various events including technical and comedic production and monologues. The Comedy Sports Match is this Friday, $7 at the door at 7 pm. International Week is being help Wednesday March 21 to Friday March 23. This is an annual program including a fashion show, dance competition and a martial arts demonstrations from across the world, plus tons of delicious food! The Spring Musical is "Into The Woods" and is next month. Adam explained there is a very good reason why Jeena Bonutto is not here tonight to give this report. It is because she is playing for the Laguna Hills High School Lady Hawks who advanced to the quarterfinals of the State CIF Division 3 Girls Basketball Championships after winning 53-44 over West High School. Laguna Hills will play Alemany High tonight at LHHS. ** We just learned that the Lady Hawks did win their Tuesday night game 58 to 49 and will now move on to Regional Semi- Finals in Ontario. Congratulations to them, as this is the first time this has happened since 1997!  The following week will be the Finals in Sacramento.   

MINUTES - City Council Approves the Minutes of the previous City Council Meeting for publication on the city web site. The minutes from tonight's meeting will not be approved for publication until the next city council meeting so there is always a significant delay for the public related to timely documentation of information from the city.

CONSENT CALENDAR - Warrant Register = $354,588.60
Items of interest from the Warrant Register - None
Items of interest from the Consent Calendar - 2 Items 4.3 and 4.5 were pulled for discussion by Council Member Kogerman. The rest of the Consent Calendar was passed by a Vote of 5 - 0
4.3 - Community Services Year End Report 4.4 Adoption of an Ordinance implementing the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 replacing Cable Television Franchise Regulations. (discussed at the last city council meeting)
4.5 Cost Sharing and cooperative agreement for Pacific Park Dr./Oso Pkwy street improvements Project with the City of Aliso Viejo.  Staff Report stated Total Project Cost is estimated to be $470,000 with Laguna Hills Cost being approximately $53,000.

Items Pulled from the Consent Calendar for Discussion

Item 4.3 - Community Services Year End Report - Council Member Kogerman expressed concern regarding the Community Services that had lost significant attendance and/or revenue from 2010 to 2011. Volunteer Connection Day attendance decreased from 99 in 2010 to 49 in 2011. The Mother's Day picnic was canceled for 2011 due to low enrollment and was attended by only 35 people in 2010. The Children's Spring Concert attendance was down from 155 people to 75. Breakfast with Santa's attendance was down from 125 people to 74. The 4th of July held steady at 11,000 attendance and Memorial Day Half Marathon participation increased from 2,600 in 2010 to 2,924 in 2011. At the Community Center, the Art Room Revenue Decreased from $14,733 in 2010 to $4,735 in 2011, the Meeting Room A/B/C revenue decreased from $40,080 to $34,086, The Gym, 1 Court revenue dropped from $11,400 to $8,600 and the Full Gym revenue dropped from $12,120 to $6,968. Picnic Shelter/Town Green/Gazebo revenue dropped from $17,941 to $7,196. Baseball field revenue dropped from $2,235 to $400.00. 1/2 soccer field revenues increased from $5,486 to $14,986 but the full soccer field revenue decreased from $11,986 to $8,745.

Council Member Kogerman asked if there was any understanding of why some of the programs dropped off so much. Dan Meehan, Community Services Superintendent responded that Volunteer Connection Day in 2011 fell on the 1st day of the School District Spring Break, so this year that event is being revamped also there is additional outreach to the elementary schools. Don't yet know why the large drop offs in the Spring Concert and the Breakfast with Santa. The events with large drop offs will be re-evaluated. There is also a Community Services Open House scheduled for March 24 to promote classes and receive feedback. There is also an online survey on the City web site now. Related to the Room Rentals availability priorities can be tight and they will look at doing some additional advertising to local businesses.

The Senior Mobility Program has a total of 41 people signed up currently.
David Reynolds, Community Services Director, explained that they pass out flyers to Seniors at the local Senior Centers and they met with OCTA yesterday regarding a possible changes of maybe offering this service to people at the age of 60 years and over and reducing the requirements.

Kogerman asked what the City did to advertise the cake reception before a city council meeting for the City's 20th anniversary that was so dismally attended. She added do you feel you did all you could? Dan answered he believed that was advertised in City Views and announced on the City's web site and he believes an article ran in the local paper. He said yes, for what they had that was approved by the City Council and with their budget. Kogerman asked if Community Services was receiving enough resources to adequately market the facilities? Dan Meehan answered he believed they could work with what they have and come up with some creative ways to market.

Item 4.5 - Cost Sharing and cooperative agreement for Pacific Park Dr./Oso Pkwy street improvements Project with the City of Aliso Viejo. Council Member Kogerman asked what the savings will be for Laguna Hills related to this agreement. Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services answered the cost savings is about 10% of the total cost or roughly about $5000 to $6000. Vote Consent Calendar Items 4.3 and 4.5 passed 5 - 0.

PLANNING AGENCY -

Public Comments - Ms. Anderson from Laguna Niguel, who owns Stress Busters at the Moulton/La Paz shopping Center requested that the City ask the landlord to have consideration for the current tenants during the renovation. She said they believe that their only hope or opportunity for some consideration is through the City Council. She said they heard that 1/2 of their parking lot will be taken for 2 years and this is frightening. They also have a huge concern that the landlord is not going to take care of their needs. She said the center is undergoing much needed renovation as it is very run down and they have been waiting 14 years for a renovation. She said they put $300,000 into the inside of their business but the outside looks terrible. They are losing customers and Laguna Hills has to live with a sub par center. She said the parking lot is in atrocious condition, trash containers are in bad shape, paint has been knocked off in various places and it's a really run down center.
Mayor Carruth referred Ms. Anderson to the Community Development Director for her concerns and asked her to return to the Council on April 10 when this issue will be agendized for discussion by the City Council.

PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS -

Item 5.4.1 a Request to Modify the Existing Master Sign Program for the Ashley Furniture Center at 24001 El Toro Rd.
Staff Recommendation - Approve the request.

David Chantarangsu, the Community Development Director presented the applicant's request for an increase of the size of the previously approved El Toro Rd. monument sign from 4 feet to 5 feet 2 inches to accommodate one additional tenant panel for the neighboring Laguna Hills Lodge. There was also a request from the applicant to allow exposed LED lighting around portions of the Chick-fil-A drive thru restaurant building.

Mayor Carruth said, "I have a question about the differences between the 2 monument signs which are dramatically different in my view." "Isn't it possible for us to suggest to the applicant that a third tenant sign could be included on the monument sign on the left" (referring to the smaller and previously approved 4 foot sign).  David Chantarangsu, responded, "... essentially you are talking about fitting 3 panels in about a 2 foot high area, so each of the panels if you include the spacing in between would probably get reduced to around 6 or 8 inches. I don't know how effective that would be for them." Carruth countered if you refigure the sign you will be staying within the code guideline and you won't be creating "almost like a billboard look so close to City Hall, so close to our City center".   ".....I wouldn't be one to support what I view to be an antiquated throw back to the 50s where you have tenant after tenant after tenant listed on monument signs.."

The Applicant for the project stated that in cooperation with Mr. Crawford from Laguna Hills Lodge, he is trying to accommodate a neighbor business to help offset some of the reduction in visibility that neighbor has lost from his other signs, but if the City will not allow that, he will keep the original sign and eliminate the Laguna Hills Lodge because there is a contractual obligation with the other 2 businesses, so to make their lettering smaller would now require a revision to their leases and we don't want to take the time to go back and renegotiate, so we would have to default back to the original sign without the Laguna Hills Lodge.

Council Member Bressette thanked the applicant for helping his neighbor. He said he thought it was very generous of the applicant to allow the hotel that 3rd panel on the sign. Council Member Kogerman asked if you were to squeeze all 3 tenant signs into the space that now has 2 how tall would those letters be? David Chantarangsu responded 6 to 8 inches. Kogerman noted she would not be able to read those letters from a distance and the sign would only need to be increase by 14 inches to adequately accommodate the 3 tenant signs.

Mr. Bill Crawford from Laguna Hills Lodge said his family has owned the Lodge since 1972 and his signs have become less visible over the years. He said adding the Lodge to the sign is helpful. He said this is a win-win-win, a win for Ashley with a bigger sign, a win for him because it increases the visibility for the Lodge and a win for the City because the City will collect more bed tax and City restaurants are helped significantly by the customers the Lodge brings to the City. He said There were 53,000 customers not including kids last year. He noted that City Hall has helped obscure his signage and his customers complain that they drive around and around looking for the lodge. He said his pole sign has been in place since 1968 and he is not looking to remove that. Mayor Carruth asked how many signs Mr. Crawford had along Alicia. Mr. Crawford said he had 2 but Mayor Carruth said her information stated 3. She then asked about his legal non-conforming pole sign. Crawford stated it's a God send for his Lodge and has been there since 1968 but is also partially obscured now.

Carruth asked, "Do you believe your legal non-conforming pole sign is visible from El Toro Rd.?" Crawford responded parts of it are visible. Carruth asked if you can't see it completely and when I'm driving by there I can no longer see your pole sign, so I was wondering if you would be willing to remove it? Crawford responded, there is no reason to remove the pole sign because it is visible from some parts of El Toro Rd and from some parts of Paseo de Valencia. Carruth asked, "Isn't that enough exposure from El Toro Rd.?" Crawford reminded her that you cannot see it from parts of El Toro Rd. Carruth said, "I just look at it as an opportunity to update the look of this area."

Public Comments - Coralee Newman from Government Solutions, Golden Rain Foundation, Laguna Woods Village resident said she was here tonight in support of this item. She said she was here before and pleased with the original modifications to the sign program at this location and is in support of this.

Council Member Songstad - spoke for the larger sign and the need to support businesses as other signs have been obscured. He said this is a long term business and it needs to be successful. It provides business for other businesses and for the City and he congratulated the applicant for being willing to help another business. Mayor Pro Tem Lautenschleger agreed and complimented the look of the Lodge. Council Member Bressette again thanked Ashley Furniture for being a good neighbor and said he likes the iconic pole sign and it's legal. Mayor Carruth said she would continue to oppose the sign and she would still like a third panel within the confines of the 1st sign that was approved. Vote 4 - 1 in favor of Staff Recommendation to approve the applicant's request (The No vote was Carruth).

Item 5.4.2 - A request by AT&T Mobility to add 2 additional microwave dish antennas to the existing Communications Facility located at 25655 Nellie Gail Rd. Staff Recommendation - continue this item to the April 10, 2012 planning Agency Meeting.
Staff Report notes that this item was previously presented on January 10, 2012. Laguna Hills Citizens spoke at that meeting and noted that the city council does have to power to request proof that the cumulative effects of the microwave dish antennas at this site do not exceed FCC Regulations so requested that the City Council do their Due Diligence in this matter and report the results to the community. Staff Report states a pre- installation electromagnetic energy report, alternatives analysis and more specific information on the technology alternatives were requested and the item was continued to March 13, 2012. The Report states now that some but not all of the requested information has been received so the AT &T has requested that this item be continued to the April 10, 2012 City Council/Planning Session Meeting. Vote, this was passed 5- 0

CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
Administrative Reports - None
MATTERS AGENDIZED and PRESENTED by CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS **These Items are authored by Council Members. The council member who authors an item also does the research for that item - None

CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS - Council Member Kogerman said she believes City Views is to inform about the important recreation programs and to let citizens know what's going on in the community. This issue when speaking about strong financial management brings up an award that was given in 2007 and in the Strong Cities Strong State section it says it provides quality programs and services for it's residents while maintaining conservative fiscal management and remains friendly to businesses in the City. She said while she thinks those things are true it implies that we have been singled out for an award for those qualities and that is not the case. The League of Cities asks all cities for a profile and we submitted one and it was published but there is no award involved. She concluded the City Council could be more accountable for the contents in City Views, with use of less puffery.

Mayor Pro-Tem Lautenschleger responded I don't look at that as puffery at all. All of the City Views have been valuable sources of information for our citizens. The fact that you get an award, I don't care what it is. Some cities don't have anything to brag about, they don't have anything to say so they don't say anything. We have a very stong fiscal management in this city. It should be noted. He said he totally rejects any council member being a part of the City Views because then you get political. He said he has never heard anyone say anything in there was extraneous or puffery. He concluded with I don't know where your're getting that but it's just not true.

Editor's note - Related to the phrase "puffery" regarding Laguna Hills City Views News Magazine we defer to one of our readers who we think expressed his opinion very well on our blog - This publication could eliminate the 9 x 12 inch glossy pages, color photos, and all the politicking to become a very respectable and useful Activity Guide at a fraction of this price. They do mention on the inside cover that this is an "award winning quarterly magazine." They don't mention what award it won, but really, do we need an award winning magazine at taxpayer expense or a useful activity guide? Who is making these decisions? I bet taxpayers who are not council members, city staff or employees of the publishing company for this magazine are not included in this decision making process. Since I don't even need the Activity Guide, this City Views will make an attractive and expensive addition to my recycling bin. Jim

CLOSED SESSION – Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation. City of Laguna Hills vs the Moreland Development Company. Conference with real property negotiators re. City owned land sale on corner of Moulton Pkwy and La Paz Rd. Price and terms of payment for sale of this land to the Fred C. Sands and Ken Hocker.

The Next regular City Council Meeting is Tuesday, March 27, 7 pm, at City Hall. Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us ================================

CITY COUNCIL and CITY MANAGER REPORT CARD - Categories - (T) Transparency for Citizens, (A) Accountability to Citizens, (CI) Championing Citizen Related Issue, (AG) Achieving Citizen Related Goal Grades - (P) Pass, (A) for Authoring a Citizen Friendly Item, (F) Fail, (A+) Extra Credit. City Manager will be scored related to online and agendized Staff Reports and Requests.

Bressette -  P for voting for the Ashley Furniture Sign that assists the neighboring business. 

Carruth - F for voting against the Ashley Furniture Sign that assists the neighboring business.

Kogerman - P for voting for the Ashley Furniture Sign that assists the neighboring business.

Lautenschleger - P for voting for the Ashley Furniture Sign that assists the neighboring business.

Songstad - P for voting for the Ashley Furniture Sign that assists the neighboring business.

City Manager - Nothing this time

INFORMATION, COMMENTS QUESTIONS and CONCERNS from Watch Dog Readers:

About City Views News Magazine and Activity Guide

Anonymous said -  Dear Watch Dog - In the most recent issue of the Laguna Hills City Views news magazine the headline reads " Laguna Hills: Economic Strength Through Fiscal Prudence" and after reading I thought how misleading the article is. Yes the city has a small surplus of funds and yes the City Council and city management staff are due a thank you but how much more could Laguna Hills citizens saved had the council exercised the same fiscal restraint when it comes to the combined salary and benefits package for the City Manager, his staff and the 5% premium we pay city employees most of whom don't even live in our community.

Fiscal prudence they want us to believe? I think not. Despite the great recession City Management and the newly formed Laguna Hills City Employee Association believe they are still entitled to bloated salaries and benefits packages even while neighbors of mine have lost their homes to foreclosure and many more struggle to make ends meet.
What to do? Elections are just round the corner. We must replace the old guard with folks who have the courage to "just say no" to those who believe they deserve more while everyone else has to do with less. Times they are a changing.

Jim said - The 2012 Spring Edition of City Views just arrived and spends 11 of 27 pages, including the front and inside of the cover page delivering Marketing and PR for the City to taxpayers at taxpayer expense of nearly $100,000.00 a year for the publishing and mailing of this publication white touting how fiscally prudent they are???  What are they thinking?  Perhaps some council members and staff consider themselves to be fiscally prudent because they are getting us to pay for these glitzy pages to influence voters for them. If they were actually fiscally prudent, they would condense those 11 pages and post them on the city web site. This publication could eliminate the 9 x 12 inch glossy pages, color photos, and all the politicking to become a very respectable and useful Activity Guide at a fraction of this price. They do mention on the inside cover that this is an "award winning quarterly magazine." They don't mention what award it won, but really, do we need an award winning magazine at taxpayer expense or a useful activity guide? Who is making these decisions? I bet taxpayers who are not council members, city staff or employees of the publishing company for this magazine are not included in this decision making process. Since I don't even need the Activity Guide, this City Views will make an attractive and expensive addition to my recycling bin. Jim

Anonymous said - Hey Watch Dog, I appreciate City Views. I use it as an conversation opener when I go to parties in other cities. I say, hey, my city has an award winning magazine, does yours? Nobody ever says anything so I'm guessing none of them have one.


About the last Animal Shelter Report from the Assist. City Manager

Valerie said - Assistant City Manager Don White stated about the Orange County Animal Shelter costs that “ our operating expenses are going down now due to the canvassing operation and increased licensing and he doesn't expect them to go up with the new shelter.”
To clarify, the operating expenses for the county shelter is approximately $17 million per year. Most of the expenses are salaries and benefits. This is not going to go down.
What is going down is the charge to our city from the county because citizens are paying more in licensing fees. To explain it a different way, about $5 million comes from city budgets. This is going down because more is coming from our personal “budgets”. This does benefit the animals in that more licensed dogs means more dogs returned to owners, more dogs neutered, etc. But the cats are still being euthanized at an alarming rate at the county. Approximately 10,000 cats were euthanized last year with 3,700 being too young to adopt out. Even from our city, 32 cats (not owner requested) were euthanized with 12 being too young (probably less than 8 weeks old).

Could our city keep paying what we pay from our budget and ear-mark the “extra” money for a spay and neuter program? If the county is not euthanizing for space but because these are “feral” cats, doesn’t a Trap, Neuter, Release program make more sense than paying for all this euthanizing year after year? I would think a little pro-active investment could lower the “kill rate” immensely.  Valerie Bromberg

Tom said - The following is a newsletter from Best Friends explaining what action is taking place with respect to California’s Hayden Act that allows a minimum number of days in an animal shelter for lost pets as well as required medical care. Please help by taking a few minutes of your time to tell Gov. Brown and your state representatives NOT to repeal the Hayden Act. The Hayden Act is the mainstay for what all of us in pet rescue are able to accomplish in saving animal lives. If it is repealed hundreds of thousands of shelter animals will be killed. Our time to influence is short, please help. Tom
http://content.bestfriends.org/vo/?FileID=81e59fda-884d-4bc1-a7f4-60f4a18e9832&m=173ab2fa-b390-4d49-8a4f-8173f022a06b&MailID=23054751


About Honoring Residents in the City who volunteer

Anonymous said - Did anyone read the story in the 2/2/12 OC Register about the City of Lake Forest honoring 100 community volunteers in their city? Why does this never happen in Laguna Hills? We very rarely hear this City honor any volunteer and it seems to only happen when they are moving away. We have a lot of volunteers from kids to adults who do wonderful things but are never recognized by the City. Also I didn't appreciate the way the people talking about the toxic plants near the school and the need for protection from auto exhaust on the sports field and the school playground were treated by the City. They were rather rudely dismissed twice. Many of us have children in school and in sports in this City and we deserve to know more about these issues. Look into it, get answers and tell us what needs to be done. If you council members can't talk about this in Public Comments, put it where you can talk about it and stop dismissing every thing that could be the least bit controversial. Jim


About Massage Parlors in the City

Anonymous said - I have noticed Massage Businesses throughout the City. I suppose 
these cannot be stopped until there is illegal activity. My question would be though Are they allowed to stand on corners and wave signs saying something like "GET MASSAGE HERE?"
I saw this on the corner of Moulton and Oso Parkway this weekend.
Thank you,

About the Plans for Oakbrook Village

Anonymous said - The recent City Views talks about Oakbrook Village. It was announced in 2011 that Oakbrook Village would have up to 200 residential units on the site but apparently that number has now been doubled to 400 residential units that will back up the large number of apartments that already exist in that area. Why was the public not informed of this change? We already have the massive high rise San Sebastian with 135 residential units on Paseo de Valencia near El Toro Rd. This doubling of the density in Oakbrook Village will bring additional noise and vehicle traffic to El Toro Rd, Moulton Pkwy. and Los Alisos and there's already too much traffic here. Then there are the inevitable parking problems on top of those that already exist. This whole area is already overun with apartments - Stockport and Los Alisos. Is this the highest and best use of this land - to pack it like a can of sardines?


About a vivid display of Patriotism

Anonymous said - Patriots will Love this Stadium Spectacular. It was extremely emotional to see the entire bowl of this stadium at Lambeau Field turn red, white and blue on Monday night, 11/14/2011. It took 90 workers two weeks to get all of the colored pages mounted under each seat. Each piece of card board had eye slits in them so the fans could hold up the colored sheet and watch the game through the eye slits. - This is what ESPN failed to show Apparently, their commercials were more important than showing this scene for about 5 seconds.
See fans videos at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vHIKXJbKyQ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HoFynkLSYs

WIN WIN Wednesdays!! is an ongoing series of restaurant fundraisers, a project of the Laguna Hills High School PTSA. Students, their families and members of the general community dine out for a great meals, and in return the restaurants donate a percentage of their proceeds to the LHHS PTSA. It's good for us AND it's good for local restaurants, hence the concept of WIN-WIN.

Year long fundraising projects like Win-Win Wednesdays allow the PTSA to fund many worthwhile programs such as "Every 15 Minutes" (a vividly realistic drunk driving prevention presentation), the Award Winning "I Can Make a Difference" program and the Safe and Sober all night "Grad Night" party that Keeps our kids not only safe but in Laguna Hills and on campus continuing a 23 year tradition that makes us HAWK Proud! ** For Weekly Flyers & Schedule go to our web site at www.WinWinWednesdays.com

** Bring the WWW!! flyer to these participating restaurants on these dates and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the LHHS PTSA or now you can sign up for an e-blast at WinWinWednesdays@gmail.com  to have the weekly schedule and flyers for Win-Win-Wednesdays e-mailed to you.  

March 21 - Ted's Place - Laguna Niguel - 6 am to 9 pm
March 28 - Villa Roma - LH - 11 am to 9 pm
April 4 - CA. Pizza Kitchen - LH Mall - 11 am to 9 pm
April 11 - Golden Baken Ham and Deli - LH  6 am to 5 pm ** It's Win Win Wednesdays EVERYDAY now at Golden Baked Ham.  Be sure to bring a flyer and go any day of the week**
April 18 - Hot off the Grill - LH - 7 am to 10 pm
April 25 - King's Fish House - LH - 11 am to 9 pm
May 2 - Quiznos - LH - 11 am to 9 pm

** Be sure to "LIKE" us on Facebook to help spread the word and Don't forget to see our "WWW Everyday" Partners like Its a Grind Coffee House, Alpha Cleaners and Golden Baked Hams on our web site. Bring the flyers for these everyday partners and Support the businesses that support us!


HOW TO SUPPORT THE 3rd BATTALION, 5th MARINE DIVISION - Adopted by the City of Laguna Hills - Donation checks can be made specifically to "Laguna Hills Team Dark Horse" and mailed to - Team Dark Horse, 27251 Lost Colt Dr., Laguna Hills, CA. 92653. The Non-profit Corporation 501 (C) (3) status has been approved so all donations are tax deductible. E-mail Mike Bland at 35bland@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, etc. The city's e-mail for the 3/5 is 3/5-support@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us City Clerk Peggy Johns is the City Liaison to the 3/5 Support Committee. Go to the City web site by clicking on this link - http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/

*** The Laguna Hills Adopted 3/5 Marines support group, Team Dark Horse, needs a One Time Volunteer "Organizer" for this year's April 21 annual Swap Meet at the Laguna Hills High School to raise funds for Team Dark Horse to use to Support our 3/5 Marines at Camp Pendleton. This will involve people collecting donated items and storing them, set up and take down of tables at the event, and manning the tables for the day, to sell donated items. Team Dark Horse is a 501 (c) (3) organization and will give credits for this volunteer service that would begin to organize as soon a possible and extend through April 21, 2012. There are some support people already in place. Please contact Mike Bland at 35bland@gmail.com for more information.

Please see the Laguna Hills 3/5 Adopted Marines Facebook page by clicking on this link - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laguna-Hills-Team-Darkhorse/132765660119128 and share it with your friends!!
** Don't miss the very compelling Stories from Jane Wayne Day - Local Citizens Living as Marines for a day at Camp Pendleton, by Karen Robbins at http://www.benzinga.com/users/karenrobbins


NEWS STORIES AND BLOGS ABOUT LAGUNA HILLS: Click on the links below to see the stories.

New Reports including 2011 Statistics for the 70 year old Orange County Animal Shelter that Laguna Hills still uses for it's citizens

Fewer Animals Killed at OC animal shelter in 2011http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fewer-338291-killed-shelter.html?pic=1
Total euthanasia rate of 53%. Fewer were killed in 2011 because fewer were impounded at the County Animal Shelter in 2011. January 31, 2012 Teri Sfzora

Three out of four cats still don't leave shelter alivehttp://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/02/16/three-out-of-four-cats-still-dont-leave-shelter-alive/148403/ Teri Sforza OC Watchdog
Kill Rate for Cats at the OC Animal Shelter in 2011 was 74% and only 17% adopted, down from 19% in 2010

Euthanasia Rate Stuck at Nearly 50% at O.C. Animal Carehttp://ranchosantamargarita.patch.com/articles/shelter-euthanizes-fewer-animals-in-2011 County Shelter finally admits killing animal for space in this story.

Fred Smoller,The Brandman University Professor of Public Administration, "who offended the power elite" when his Master's Degree students won awards assisting Council Member Kogerman to research the total compensation of City Managers in Orange County has just resigned from his post. Why did this happen? - Click on http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/10/12/professor-who-offended-power-elite-resigns-post/109833/

LAGUNA HILLS CITY WORKERS: 12 PERCENT UNDERPAID?http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/09/01/laguna-hills-city-workers-12-percent-underpaid/95765/

Which city council makes the most money? http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/07/11/which-city-council-makes-the-most-money/88311/#comment-169311

LA Times: Laguna Hills City Manager Salary http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-oc-salaries-20110621,0,1126677.story

In O.C., city pay can be steep, but it’s not ‘abusive’ June 20th, 2011 http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/06/20/in-o-c-city-pay-can-be-excessive-but-its-not-abusive/85631/#comment-165059

June 9, 2011 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT - Compensation Study of Orange County Cities http://www.ocgrandjury.org/pdfs/comp-study-oc-cities/Compensation-Study-of-Orange-County-Cities.pdf

City manager says compensation is fair http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-303264-channing-compensation.html

Political rebel faces an uphill battle http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-303262-kogerman-channing.html

Councilwoman: Public pay report inaccurate, self serving http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-299908-report-council.html

OC Watchdog Lavish health benefits slashed in Laguna Hills, Tustin http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/05/12/lavish-health-benefits-slashed-in-laguna-hills-tustin/82833/

After attacks, city-manager-compensation sleuths win state award March 21st, 2011, posted by Teri Sforza, Register staff writer http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/03/21/after-attacks-city-manager-compensation-sleuths-win-state-award/78545/#comment-139633 Click on http://www.publicceo.com/ for more of this story.

No more $60,000 SUVs for city manager? http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/02/09/no-more-60000-suvs-for-city-manager/75030/

Gold-plated benefits? New councilwoman just says ‘no’ http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2011/01/18/gold-plated-benefits-new-councilwoman-just-says-no/72532/

OCREGISTER: Laguna Hills councilwoman says no to health benefits http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-282972-benefits-council.html

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/

Who has the best-paid city council in California? (updated) http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/02/who-has-the-best-paid-city-council-incalifornia/69418/ 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."

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."


CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SAY the DARNDEST THINGS IN PUBLIC! - Memorable and surprising Public Quotes from City Council Members

February 14, 2012 - Mayor Pro-Tem Lautenschleger said, about concerns from grandparents regarding exhaust fumes from Alicia Pkwy. blowing onto the sports field at the Community Center - "The prevailing wind is always off the ocean blowing East so it's blowing from the soccer fields onto Alicia and across that way."

Another fact checking problem. The Santa Ana Winds which are most common from October through March blow from the East to the West - from Alicia Pkwy. and Paseo de Valencia right on to that sports field.

November 27, 2011 - Regarding the ordinance establishing parks as “Child Safety Zones, Council Member Joel Lautenschleger stated, “Let's make one thing perfectly clear, there have been no sex crimes against children in the City since we incorporated."

Should have done some fact checking before speaking so boldly, Mr. Lautenschleger. According to information from the OC Sheriff's Dept. there have been 32 child molests in Laguna Hills in the past 11 years. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts.

January 10, 2012 - Council Member Songstad said, "I find it interesting that we are in a discussion where we are being asked to provide less information rather than more information, I thought transparency was all about providing more information."

To clarify for Council Member Songstad "Transparency" is not simply an amount of information - Merriam-Webster Dictionary (Transparency) - free from pretense or deceit, easily detected or seen through, obvious, readily understood, characterized by visibility or accessibility of information. Wikipedia (Transparency Behavior) - Transparency is operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. All organizations have a transparency culture, but few have a culture of transparency, i.e., a culture of being aware of transparency and incorporating it routinely into how things are done.

October 11, 2011 - Regarding Intent to Vacate Public Service Easements (Tree Pockets) along Paseo de Valencia and between Alicia and La Paz. Mayor Songstad concluded with, "Alright its been moved and seconded. Everybody understand what the action is here? We're setting a public hearing, blah, blah, blah. All in favor"

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 Mayor 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 20 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, 1994 LYNN 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 2012 with 19 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

For a roundup of Laguna Hills police calls check the Saddleback Valley News every Friday or click on - www.ocregister.com/news/saddleback


WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the Orange County Register Newspaper Letters to the Editor: E-mail to letters@ocregister.com Please provide your name, city of residence and phone number (phone numbers will not be published). Letters of about 200 words will be given preference. Letters will be edited for length, grammar and clarity.