Laguna Hills Watch Dog
Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - May 8, 2012

Features Directory

** Special Announcements - For Questions, Concerns and the 20 year LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN for LAND USE, MOBILITY/CIRCULATION, CONSERVATION and OPEN SPACE, COMMUNITY SERVICES and FACILITIES, SAFETY, NOISE, and HOUSING in the City - Click on http://www.ci.lagunahills.ca.us/documents/depts/commdev/Laguna_Hills_General_Plan.pdf

** 1st Candidate Web sites for Laguna Hills City Council in the 2012 November Election - Dr. Raghu Mathur:  www.mathurforlagunahills.com   and Andrew Blount:  www.blountforlagunahills.com

** 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 - Wildfire Awareness Week and Water Awareness Month and Water Awareness Month
** Public Comments - Laguna Hills Resident asking to keep her backyard hens that produce eggs.
** LHHS Student Liaison Report Adam Wong - Testing now at LHHS. Prom Night, Community Focus Group, Laguna Hills Memorial Day 1/2 Marathon charities, South County Outreach and Team Dark Horse. 350 Volunteers needed, Spring Musical, and Comedy Sports Faculty vs Students Match, PTSA and ELAC Potluck, Grad Night Preview for the entire community on June13 and Grad Night for seniors on June 14.
**Minutes - A Transparency Question regarding Corrections to the April 24, 2012 Minutes.
**Consent Calendar - Warrant Register - $365,007.69
** Items of Interest from the Warrant Register - A $300 travel advance is noted as having been paid twice, with 2 different check numbers, to the same person on the same date, for the same reason?
** Items Pulled from the Warrant Register- None
** Items of interest in the Consent Calendar - Annual Block Grant Funds for Residential Renovation Activities at Aliso Meadows Condo Project, Cost of City's 4th of July Celebration - $53,750, Contract with the County of Orange for Grant for improvements at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center.
** Items pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion - None
** Planning Agency and Planning Agency Public Comments for any issues not listed on the agenda - None
** Planning Agency Public Hearings - None
** City Council Public Hearings and Public Comments - Item 6.1 - Adding Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities to the Laguna Hills Municipal Code.
** Administrative Reports - None
** Matters Agendized and Presented by Council Members - None
** City Council Member Comments -  Absence of 25mph "When Children are Present" sign on La Paz near Valencia School?  Dinner for OC Teacher of the Year from LHHS in Dana Point, Need for more help from residents to protect Aliso Creek Watershed. 
** Closed Session - 8 months of conferences with taxpayer paid labor negotiator re. City Manager's Terms and Conditions for Employment, with No Public Announcements of any Progress and Mayor states there will be Nothing to Report Tonight?
** City Council Members Report Card - How did they score?
* Information, Comments, Questions, Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers from the previous blog post. PLUS Win-Win-Wednesday! - About the Moulton/La Paz Commercial Center, About Trusting the City, About the City's "GET FIT PLAN"?,  About Negotiating the City Manager's Terms of Employment  You can leave comments on the web site or send them to BlandMJ@aol.com We do not use your name in the comments section unless you give permission.
* How to support our 3/5 Adopted Marines and Updates - Team Dark Horse says thank you and See what projects your donations have funded for the 3/5 Marines in Camp Pendleton.
* News Stories and Blogs about Laguna Hills - find more in the OC Register online under "City-by-City News" - "Laguna Hills".  * New - How to make Cities more efficient and accountable
* 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 - May 22, 2012
All council members were present
==============================
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 -

Proclamation recognizing May 6 through May 12 as Wildfire Awareness Week presented to OC Fire Authority Battalion Chief Ron Roberts. Mayor Carruth noted that 95% of wildfires in CA are caused by humans. Chief Roberts explained that if you go to www.OCFA.org you will find their new program called "Ready - Set - Go" for education and prevention. READY means to make sure that your families and homes prepared. SET means to be vigilant. aware of what's going on around you, and GO means if Sheriff's Deputies or fire fighters tell you of a need to evacuate, be sure to go.

Proclamation of May as Water Awareness Month presented to Mike Grandy, Assistant General Manager of the El Toro Water District and Don Froelich, Board Vice President of Moulton Niguel Water District and Laguna Hills Resident. Mayor Carruth stated that 85% of water for So. OC is imported and 50% is used for landscape so we have to learn to do more with less. Don Froelich noted the new rate structure of the Moulton Niguel Water District and said 90% of customers are living within their allocations and they are working with the other 10%. He said Moulton Niguel's bill covers both water and sewer and said bills average $40 - $60 a month and the water is about 2/3 of that bill. He suggested the water cost is not a large amount and a real bargain when you look at cell phone bills. TV and Internet connections, etc. He noted that purple pipes carry recycled water for landscape and we were reminded not to drink from purple pipes. Mike Grandy noted that El Toro Water district also provides drinking and recycled water.

PUBLIC COMMENTS -

Carmella Bates, Laguna Hills Resident since 1969 said she was cited by the City for keeping hens (female chickens Not roosters) in her back yard. She asked the City to consider modifying the zoning code to decrease the size of the lots required for keeping hens related to the economy and the growing nationwide need for sustainable gardening. She explained that her family and many of her friends keep hens to provide eggs for their families. She requested a "stay" to keep her chickens while this is being considered and noted that these chickens are also pets. She said the chickens are quiet until they are actually laying their eggs. She noted that they have an elderly neighbor who complains about the noise. David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director explained that Ms. Bates had received a Correction Notice, that wasn't necessarily a citation so no enforcement action would be taken at this point and he said he would call her tomorrow to discuss this. He noted her request to reduce the # of square feet required to keep animals would require an amendment to the City's zoning code.

LHHS STUDENT LIAISON REPORT by Adam Wong

Adam said AP, IB and CST testing is going on right now at LHHS so all students are very stressed. He said CST testing is the process the State uses to judge the high schools in CA. He noted that LHHS has always done very well in this testing and may do even better this year. Prom Night is May 19 and the theme for Prom is "I Spy 007". W-W-Wednesday this week is a Mother's Market and Kitchen off Paseo de Valencia. The Community Focus Group is tonight at 8:30 pm where the Community can talk with Principal Boulton re. all questions and concerns about LHHS. The Laguna Hills Memorial Day 1/2 Marathon is on Monday, May 28 and supports 2 charities, South County Outreach and Team Dark Horse that supports the City's adopted 3/5 Marines Darkhorse Battalion. 350 Volunteers are needed for this. The potluck that PTSA is co-sponsoring with the ELAC (English Learners Committee) is scheduled for Monday the 14th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm in the Multipurpose room at LHHS. It will be followed by the PTSA General assembly meeting. The Spring Musical - "Into the Woods" is playing May 10-12. On Friday, May 18 is the Comedy Sports Faculty vs Students Match at Laguna Hills Theater at 7 pm - cost is $7 and Pizza is provided. So come with an empty stomach and a smile. PTSA Grad Night is Thursday, June 14, 2012. This is a safe and sane all night celebration for all the LHHS Seniors. Volunteers and many things are needed for this so if you can volunteer or contribute please contact the PTSA. ** Don't forget June 13 Grad Night Preview at LHHS with 7 different great restaurants, all from Laguna Hills, serving samples.

MINUTES - The 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 but you can now watch and listen to the City Council Meetings on the City's web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

Mayor Carruth made a motion to approve the Minutes from the April 24 council meeting and asked if there were any additions or corrections to those minutes. Council Member Bressette moved the minutes, Mayor Pro-Tem Lautenschleger seconded the motion. Carruth asked if there was any opposition. Council Member Kogerman asked, "We need to approve the minutes as corrected?" Bressette answered, "Yes", Kogerman continued, "Regarding item 6.1 and the Moulton/La Paz and Mr. Lautenschleger's abstention." Carruth said she believed that would be Planning Agency Minutes because we separate them. Kogerman, moved that they approve the minutes as corrected. Carruth, "I don't believe we had any corrections to the regular meeting minutes, Mrs. Johns."  Mrs. Johns, "We had several corrections (someone coughed loudly so the rest of what the City Clerk, Mrs. Johns, said could not be understood " Carruth. "OK, but that's not related to the La Paz, we have meeting minutes and" Mrs Johns. "Well this is City Council..."someone coughed again, loudly so the rest of what City Clerk Mrs. John's said could not be understood. Bressette added, "For 20 years, any motion to approve the minutes has always included what ever changes were given to us by staff in the hot envelope and my motion stands as whatever changes staff provided to us prior to the meeting." Carruth declared, "We have a motion and a 2nd with the amended, with those changes, and there is no opposition, so those meeting minutes are approved with those changes."    VOTE - None

CONSENT CALENDAR - Warrant Register = $365,007.69
Items of interest from the Warrant Register - A $300 travel advance is noted as having been paid twice, with 2 different check numbers, to the same person on the same date, for the same reason?
Items pulled from the Warrant Register - None

Items of interest from the Consent Calendar -

Item 4.3 - 3rd Quarter Financial Report - Staff Report says - Total Fund Balance is $6,689,417 as of March 31, 2012. Attached to this report is a pamphlet entitled “City of Laguna Hills Quarterly Financial Highlights,Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2011/12.” The City’s total cash and investments as of March 31, 2012, = $7,857,124 which is a decrease of approximately $1.1 million compared with the same period in 2011 as a result of special revenue inflows and outflows related to major capital projects underway. Go to http://permits.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=89&doctype=AGENDA then to Item 4.3, Supporting Materials to see the full report.

Item 4.4 - Contract with the County of Orange for $162,000 in Community Block Grant Funds for FY 2012-2013 for Residential Renovation Activities at Aliso Meadows Condo Project. - Staff Report says - Over the past seven years the City has received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through the County for the purpose of completing rehabilitation work at the Aliso Meadows condominium complex located on Via Lomas.The City has been awarded $162,000 from the County of Orange to continue its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Aliso Meadows condominium complex located on Via Lomas. Funding is provided through the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The program is made available to low income households in partnership with the Aliso Meadows Homeowners Association. Program funds are used to make exterior repairs to housing units. Fiscal Impact to the City - In the event the successor agency to the former Lake Forest Redevelopment Agency does not provide funding needed to administer the CDBG contract as an on-going obligation, the City Council would have to determine if use of the General Fund was appropriate to implement the project. The cost of administering the CDBG contract has historically been $20,000 to $30,000 per fiscal year.

Item 4.5 - City's 4th of July Celebration - Proposed budget for the 2012 Fourth of July event is $53,750 which includes a fireworks budget of $26,400. The cost for this year's show is $24,000. Last year's Fourth of July event expenditures totaled $46,078 which includes the discounted cost of the fireworks show due to technical issues that negatively impacted the show. Net costs totaled $42,697 when accounting for the $3,381 in ride ticket sales revenue. There will be Music, Games, 2 Carnival Rides, Activities for children and Adults, City Information Booth, and Vendor Booths. The Event begins at 4 pm and fireworks start at 9:10 pm. Marine's from the 3/5 Battalion and some static displays may also be present. Vendors who have participated previously in the fourth of July Celebration have until May 18, 2012, to submit their request for a booth for 2012.

Item 4.6 - Progress Payment #5 for Avenida de la Carlotta Road Widening Project $233,510.97, to HILLCREST CONTRACTING, INC.,

Item 4.7 - Contracts with the County of Orange Age Well Senior Services for Community Development Block Grant Funds for FY 2012-2013 - the City of Laguna Hills has tentatively been awarded an amount of $54,000 to assist Age Well Senior Services (formerly known as South County Senior Services) for the following improvements at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center: (1) demolition of a common wall and installation of a retractable room divider to facilitate large group activities; and (2) the expansion of the solar panel electrical system. These improvements will assist in increasing the Center’s sustainability and accessibility, while simultaneously reducing costs. Fiscal Impact to the City - the City has agreed to leverage the County’s funds with in-lieu staff time totaling approximately $8,000. No other commitment of General Fund monies are required.
Item 4.8 - Lease of office space 301 at City Hall to Law Offices of Fay Blix for approx. $4153.45 a month for 62 months. .
Items Pulled from the Consent Calendar for Discussion - None
VOTE - Consent Calendar Passed 5 - 0

CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING AGENCY - Nothing and No Public Comments for the Planning Agency
Mayor Carruth announced that there was a change on the Planning Agency Minutes from the April 24 meeting. Bressette moved the Minutes as corrected by the staff. 2nd by Songstad and Carruth asked if there was any opposition then noted the Minutes were passed "with that change." **Editor's Note - There was no mention of what "that change" was?   VOTE - None

CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS and Public Comments -

Item 6.1 - Adding Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities to the Laguna Hills Municipal Code. Providing a procedure for this in the City's zoning and land use regulations, policies and practices pursuant to federal and state fair housing laws.
Staff Report says - Under state and federal law, local governments are required to provide "reasonable accommodation" to persons with disabilities when exercising planning and zoning powers. Providing reasonable accommodation in the land use and zoning context may include a modification or exemption from land use, and zoning regulations, policies, and practices, when it is necessary to eliminate barriers to housing opportunities and to ensure the equal use and enjoyment of a dwelling by a person with a disability. Staff has prepared this Ordinance in order to bring the City into compliance with state and federal law, and to further implement the goals of the City’s General Plan.
Staff Recommendation: THE CITY COUNCIL: (1) CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING; AND (2) INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 9-93, ENTITLED REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES,' TO THE LAGUNA HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE, PROVIDING A PROCEDURE FOR GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE CITY'S ZONING AND LAND USE REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND PRACTICES PURSUANT TO FEDERAL AND STATE FAIR HOUSING LAWS."

David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director, said this ordinance will allow people with disabilities to request minor deviations from the City, that might deviate from the City's development code, to accommodate their needs. He said the 2000 census indicated that 14% of the City's population has some sort of disability.  He gave examples such as a wheelchair access ramp added to homes and/or property. He said neighboring property owners are notified of changes. Mayor Carruth asked if this is something people can use because they are Seniors?  David answered there is usually a medical reason for a disability provided. Council Member Bressette said he wanted to be sure the language used in this ordinance would not encourage abuse and, in fact, discourage it. The City Attorney, Greg Simonian was called upon and advised that the language in this ordinance was taken from the State Fair Housing Act. Bressette expressed that he was concerned about the definition of physical and mental impairment including drug and alcohol addiction and if this would allow substance abuse homes to improve their properties beyond what the City might have intended.  David answered the definition basically excludes the use of a controlled substance in terms of a variation and the process requires detailed information related to necessary changes to property and this process is for accommodation of minor deviations. He added the code requires a balance with community public health and safety needs and each request is vetted and decided on it's own merit. He noted that the changes made may need to be removed in the future if the person or persons requiring the change no longer reside at the address.  Council Member Kogerman asked why it took this City so long to comply with the Fair Housing Law that was adopted in 1988 considering that there are liabilities for non-compliance?  David responded the City's General Plan was updated in 2009 and the Housing Element of the City's General Plan triggered this update to be compliant with the State and the City's Housing Element is due for review by the State next year.  Mayor Carruth called upon City Attorney Greg Simonian for further explanation and he agreed with what David Chantarangsu had said so far and further stated that Group Homes will receive no greater rights in the City related to this ordinance than they are already afforded under State Law. This is a reasonable    accommodation mechanism that allows those with disabilities to apply to the City for minor adjustments to accommodate person specific disabilities.  The character of a neighborhood can't be substantially changed.  Fair housing Laws do not require formal adoption of an ordinance and the City could have processed reasonable accommodations without an ordinance but the Housing Element requires this.

Public Comments - Len Herman, A Realtor and Laguna Hills Resident stated he wanted to be sure that houses with special accommodations are not sold and then new owners are required to remove special accommodations at their expense. David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director, responded when a reasonable accommodation is approved the City would be able to condition that it could be removed should the reason for the accommodation no longer be present on the property, so that would put a future buyer on notice. Mr. Herman asked if this would show up in a title report.  David responded, no but it would be in the City's records if realtors come to the City and ask to see the property file for that residence.
VOTE - This item was passed 5- 0

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS - None
MATTERS AGENDIZED and PRESENTED by CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS - None

CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS -

Mayor Carruth reported that there is no 25 mph "When Children are Present" sign on La Paz going East, by Valencia School.  She asked staff to consider installing a sign at this location and addressed her comment to Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services, City Engineer.  Carruth also said she attended a Teacher of the Year Dinner in Dana Point for Saddleback Valley School District teachers.  Susan Lord, English Teacher, Swim Coach, Drama Teacher, from LHHS was OC Teacher of the Year. Carruth said she attended a South OC Watershed Management Committee Meeting.  She noted that the main watershed area for Laguna Hills is Aliso Creek and reported that there is going to be a real effort by the County of Orange and this Watershed Committee to urge residents to take more responsibility for this watershed area. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Lautenschleger said related to the 40 mph speed limit on La Paz by Valencia School, there is a sign 100 feet before the 40 mph sign saying 25 mph in a school zone and if you wait until you are closer to the school you are too late because the kids are already in the intersection.  Mayor Carruth then stated she is not suggesting direct action but just wanted to raise the issue because a lot of residents seeing that 40 mph sign ahead are likely to speed up so it is something Mr. Rosenfield might want to consider. 

Mayor Carruth said we will adjourn and reconvene in closed session - "No Anticipated Action."

CLOSED SESSION –

10.1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (CONTINUED) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: Daniel C. Cassidy, Special Labor Counsel Unrepresented Employee:City Manager Under Negotiation:Terms and Conditions of Employment Reconvene in regular session in the City Council Chamber. Report on whether any reportable action was taken on matters considered during Closed Session. ** Editor's Note - These sessions have been ongoing twice a month, with a few missed, since Sept. 27, 2011 with no report to the Public regarding any progress or action, etc.  Tonight Mayor Carruth announced, prior to going into the session, that there would be no anticipated action.  Taxpayers are paying the Special Labor Counsel (Attorney) for all these hours in all these now 8 months of sessions so if there is going to be no cooperation from the City Manager a question is why are these session continuing and if there is progress being made it would not appear to be a violation to mention that to the taxpaying citizens without being specific.

The Next regular City Council Meeting is Tuesday, May 22, 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 vote for an ordinance providing the City with a vehicle to use related to State required compliance with the Fair Housing Act required under the Housing Element of the City's General Plan. 
Carruth -  P - for vote for an ordinance providing the City with a vehicle to use related to State required compliance with the Fair Housing Act required under the Housing Element of the City's General Plan.
Kogerman - P - for vote for an ordinance providing the City with a vehicle to use related to State required compliance with the Fair Housing Act required under the Housing Element of the City's General Plan.
Lautenschleger - P - for vote for an ordinance providing the City with a vehicle to use related to State required compliance with the Fair Housing Act required under the Housing Element of the City's General Plan.
Songstad - P - for vote for an ordinance providing the City with a vehicle to use related to State required compliance with the Fair Housing Act required under the Housing Element of the City's General Plan.
City Manager - Nothing

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

About the Moulton/La Paz Commercial Center

Anonymous said...
I have attended many council meetings in the last few years and last Tues. night I was very disappointed in all of our council members. The council chamber was filled with homeowners concerned about the new/remodel commercial center located on the corner of La Paz and Moulton. Most of the homeowner's issues were with the height of the buildings blocking/obstructing their backyard views and with an increase in noise.

Many of the homeowners presented some very prepared presentations to explain their concerns. After the public comments were completed by the homeowners, the developer's rep. spoke to address the developer's concerns. He stated he was very open to making some necessary changes on the height of the buildings blocking views. I was very impressed with his willingness to address these concerns and do what it would take to make the homeowners feel comfortable with this project. He was even willing to work with each individual homeowner who had a view to determine what tree(s) would be best to be planted on their hill behind their homes to block/screen the buildings and keep as much of the view as possible.

Even with the developer/owner stating he would make changes, the entire council voted to accept the project as is and not have the developer/owner make any changes requested by the homeowners. The council heard the homeowners but did not listen to them. I do agree the new center is a big plus for the city and I think the design is basically excellent but all of this would be so much better if the council members would have allowed the developer to work more with the residents. It is one thing if the council dictated to the builder but this was not the case since the builder was very willing to make changes.  So, I ask, does it do any good to come to council meetings and express concerns to these council members or is it best to elect council members who will really listen to the citizens of Laguna Hills?

Anonymous said...
I have worked in Commercial Real Estate and a possible reason that developer of the Moulton La Paz Commercial Center was cut off by the council just when he agreed to work further with those residents could be that when the city finalized the sale of their open space land to the developer the city may have agreed, as part of the deal, to accept the design for center without any additional significant changes. If more changes were made that might have affected the sale of the land, etc.

About Trusting the City

Anonymous said...
I'm wondering if any of the Laguna Hills council members read the Watch Dog and see in print what they've said? After what I've read and seen so far, I think referring to this city as "Government" gives us a real solid clue and a warning about how our city is run and how well the council listens to citizens.

Anonymous said...
So, Councilmember Bressette is telling the residents who live near Moulton, La Paz that they never should have trusted the City! That's quite a revelation coming from a very long time city councilmember. I'm thinking they clearly realize that now and a lot of other residents do too.

About the City's "GET FIT PLAN"?

Anonymous said...
The Mayor said the City adopted a GET FIT PLAN 10 years ago. I've lived here for 24 years. I've never heard of this and nobody I know has heard about it. I typed Get Fit into the search Mechanism of the City Web Site and nothing came up? Where did this come from and what has the city done to support it? I went to the General Plan with the link you gave and saw nothing listed in the 20 page index. http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/documents/depts/commdev/Laguna_Hills_General_Plan.pd
Is this a secret plan??

About Negotiating the City Manager's Terms of Employment

Anonymous said...
How much have the citizens been paying that labor negotiator per hour to work with the City Manager to re-negotiate his contract for the past 8 months?


** WIN WIN Wednesday is an ongoing series of restaurant fundraisers that allow the Laguna Hills High School 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" 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 and please be sure to "LIKE US" on Facebook!

** Bring the WWW!! flyer to these participating restaurants on these dates and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the LHHS PTSA and you can now get durable and attractive business card size Win-Win-Wednesday Fan and Supporter Cards that contain all the info. for W-W-Wed on one side including how to subscribe to W-W-Wednesday to get your flyers, dates and Restaurant Information sent to you weekly on Wednesdays and the other side of the card will serve as a universal flyer, if you forget to bring a flyer. 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.

May 16th – Peppino’s (La Paz/Pacific Park, AV), All Day
May 23rd – Jersey Mike’s (El Toro, LW), All Day
May 30th – Flamingo’s Mexican, (LH), All Day, Hawk Alumni Mixer 5:00-7:00pm
June 6th – Blends Soft-Serve Creations, (in Albertson, MV), All Day

**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! Sneak Peek at GRAD NIGHT Preview Nite event: Wednesday, June 13th, with our delicious participating restaurant sponsors.

** 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/

**Go to the Team Dark Horse web site at http://teamdarkhorse.org/ to see how your donations are helping, and 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

** Team Dark Horse has recently completed a raised deck outside the Chapel for the 3/5 Marines in Camp Pendleton and furnished it with outdoor tables, chairs and sun umbrellas. You can see photos of this and other projects that were completed with your help through your donations to Team Dark Horse at http://teamdarkhorse.org/ and we thank this wonderful community and everyone else for their support!! Come see and talk with the 3/5 Marines and get a close look at their equipment at the Laguna Hills Community Center on Memorial Day and don't forget about the 1/2 Marathon if you like to run!!!

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

Reader's weigh in: OC lacks will to battle 'shadow governments' Fred Smoller has been thinking about how to make local governments more efficient and accountable for some time. http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/05/05/readers-weigh-in-o-c-lacks-will-to-battle-shadow-governments/154356/

City among worst for alcohol fueled crashes
Fullerton and Laguna Hills had the worst rates of crashes that involved underage drinkers
Read more at: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cities-348774-crashes-among.html

New Reports with 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 alive http://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 Care http://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 NEIGHBORHOODFor 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