Laguna Hills Watch Dog - HEADLINES/ ITEMS OF INTEREST for the Tuesday, November 26, 2013 LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 7 PM at City Hall

** Consider Attending a Council Meeting to express your opinion on items of interest to you or just to observe.  Citizen Alerts/Headlines for future City Council Meetings will be listed on this blog site within 4 days prior to a meeting.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*** PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES
** You should be able to find all  PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES  on the City web site face page at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ under "Quick Links" - "Public Notices"

For the next City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 - Item 5.1 Amendment to Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code to Prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in All Zoning Districts and Revise the Development Code Compliance Policy.

For the last meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 10, 2013  - A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS ADOPTING THE CA. BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND THE INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE AS WELL AS THE CA. FIRE CODE - at the City Council Meeting 7 pm at City Hall - 24035 El Toro Rd. Laguna Hills.

** Interested persons will be given the opportunity to comment on these item at the public hearing and written comments may be submitted to the City Council prior to the hearing.


** NEW ABC - TV SERIES FEATURING THE HOME OF OUR MAYOR PRO-TEM ANDREW BLOUNT IN AN EXTREME COMPETITION FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS DECORATED HOME IN THE COUNTRY.  SERIES PREMIERES MONDAY DECEMBER 9, 2013 on ABC - TV  9:00|8:00c

The Great Christmas Light Fight is a new competition series in which 20 families from across America will decorate their homes to the extreme for Christmas – in ways that would certainly make even Clark Griswold envious – with a total of $250,000 in prizing ($50,000 won each week). The Great Christmas Light Fight will air on MONDAYS, DECEMBER 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT), DECEMBER 16 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT) and DECEMBER 23 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT) with back-to-back episodes on those two nights. Michael Moloney & Sabrina Soto (both from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) will serve as judges for the series. 4 families will compete each week to transform their homes for the holidays. 20 families were chosen through an extensive nationwide search based on their previous elaborate Christmas light displays, incredible choreography and over-the-top designs.


GET FIT and ENJOY the TRAILS OF LAGUNA HILLS with Mayor Kogerman -  “Walk with the Mayor” program meeting every Saturday Morning.  Check the City of Laguna Hills web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us  and look under "Featured Links" and Calendar of Events for the Community Bulletin Board to find locations and any instructions for each Sat. Morning Walk.

** YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR MAYOR, Barbara Kogerman. ON FM RADIO- KSBR (88.50).  Interviews  with Mayor Kogerman by Dawn Kamber of Saddleback Community College's FM radio station will be played in 30-second spots, every hour and half-hour from 6 am through 9 am on the day of and two days after each council meeting. The regular programming is easy-listening jazz.

** WIN-WIN-EVERYDAY!  See LHHS "WWW Everyday Partners - Alpha Cleaners, Golden Baked Hams, ToGO's, Subway, Supercuts, Latte Da Bagelry & Grill on our web site at: http://www.winwinwednesdays.com/   Bring the flyers from our web site for these everyday partners and Support the businesses that support LHHS!
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LAGUNA HILLS' CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEATURES DIRECTORY for Tuesday, November 26,  2013

1.  CLOSED SESSION:  The Laguna Hills' City Manager's Annual Performance Evaluation Continues

2. PRESENTATIONS and PROCLAMATIONS: 
Item 1.1 -  Report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Kerstyn Gonzales + Win-Win Everyday Partners                                                         
Item 1.2 - Certificate of Recognition for Laguna Hills Resident Janell Keider and her Therapy Dog Jenna - Pet Therapy Program

Item 1.3 - Presentation from the Transportation Corridor agencies regarding the Toll Road Express Accounts

3. CONSENT CALENDAR and WARRANT REGISTER:
Warrant Register = $1,024,171.17
Items of Interest from the Warrant Register - None

Items of interest from the Consent Calendar:
Item 3.4 - Progress Payment No. 28/Final for La Paz Rd. Widening at I-5 $8,811.37 to Sema Construction                                                                                         
Item 3.5 - Participation in the Countywide Public Mass Notification System - "ALERTOC"  Emergency Warning System.

4. CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

5. CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS:  Item 5.1 Amendment to Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code to Prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in All Zoning Districts and Revise the Development Code Compliance Policy.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:                                                                       
Item 6.1.1 - AMBULANCE CONTRACT AWARD AUTHORITY - but with no mention of cost to residents from the ambulance service chosen for our City by OCFA.

Item 6.2.1 - INFORMATION RE. HIRING A NOISE CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE PEER REVIEW SERVICES FOR THE APRIL 2013 NOISE STUDY REPORT Re: CONCERN ABOUT SOUND WALLS for THE I-5 WIDENING PROJECT FROM STATE ROUTE 73 TO EL TORO RD.

7. MATTERS AGENDIZED and PRESENTED by COUNCIL MEMBERS and MAYOR - None

** Information, Comments, Questions, Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers from the previous blog post - ABOUT: Public Art Fund Deficit and suggestion for the City to cooperate with local artists, Council Member Melody Carruth nitpicking businesses, screening construction waste, chronic complaints, policing or planning?

8. ** The 3/5 Marines adopted by the City of Laguna Hills  -  Team Dark Horse says THANK YOU, **BE SURE TO GO TO THE TEAM DARK HORSE web site at http://teamdarkhorse.org/ to SEE HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE HELPING. Team Dark Horse now has PayPal online, in addition to its mailing address, and see the Laguna Hills 3/5 Adopted Marines Face book page by clicking on this link - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laguna-Hills-Team-Darkhorse/132765660119128?ref=ts&fref=ts

*** Team Dark Horse is Collecting Toys and Gifts for the 3/5 Marines families and children for their Christmas Holiday Party that will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. Unwrapped toys and gifts will be collected through Dec 5.  Generic gifts of any amount on VISA or other similar cards are always needed for the older children.
Toy Collection Boxes can be found around town at the following locations:
Laguna Hills City Hall on El Toro Rd.,
Laguna Hills Community Center on Alicia Pkwy.,
Nellie Gail Ranch HOA Club House and Equestrian Center,
Laguna Hills Mall
Players Sports Grill (24401 Ridge Route, Laguna Hills)
Farmers and Merchants Bank (in Laguna Hills next to the Post Office),
Florence Sylvester Senior Center (Laguna Hills in the Center where the DMV is located.)
Heidelberg Pastry Shop (25260 La Paz Rd. Laguna Hills)
Baker, Knapp and Tubbs Furniture (Aliso Creek Rd. Laguna Niguel)


*** Team Dark Horse has also just launched it's First Newsletter so please watch for it in your e-mail boxes!!!

**Thank you so much for your donations that express appreciation for the services and sacrifices of the 3/5 Marines and their families.

Laguna Hills Watch Dog
Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - November 12, 2013

** Please Consider Attending a Council Meeting to express your opinion on items of interest to you or just to observe.  Citizen Alerts/HEADLINES for future City Council Meetings will be listed on this blog site within 4 days prior to a meeting.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

PUBLIC NOTICES

** You should be able to find all  PUBLIC NOTICES  on the City Web site face page at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ under "Quick Links" - "Public Notices"

Date and Time of Public Hearing: November 26, 2013 at 7 pm
Location of Hearing: City Council Meeting at City Hall, 24035 El Toro Rd., Laguna Hills
Regarding: An Ordinance of the City of Laguna Hills Amending Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal  Code to Prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in all zoning Districts and Revise the Development Code Compliance Policy.
** All interested persons will be given and opportunity to comment on this item at the public hearing. In addition, written comments may be submitted to the City Council prior to the hearing, mailed to 24035 El Toro Rd., Laguna Hills, 92653 Attention: City Clerk. Please reference the hearing title and the date of the hearing in any correspondence.** you can find Public Notices on the City Web site face page at

GET FIT and ENJOY the TRAILS OF LAGUNA HILLS - Mayor Kogerman Launches Saturday Morning Walks
Continuing her Saturday morning tradition of meeting with residents, Laguna Hills Mayor Barbara Kogerman is launching a “Walk with the Mayor” program meeting every Saturday Morning.  Check the City of Laguna Hills web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us  and look under "Featured Links" and "Calendar of Events" for the Community Bulletin Board for locations and any instructions for each Sat. Morning Walk.

** YOU CAN LISTEN TO YOUR MAYOR, Barbara Kogerman. ON FM RADIO- KSBR (88.50).   Interviews  with Mayor Kogerman by Dawn Kamber of Saddleback Community College's FM radio station will be played in 30-second spots, every hour and half-hour from 6 am through 9 am on the day of and two days after each council meeting. The regular programming is easy-listening jazz.

Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - FEATURES DIRECTORY

** Closed Session - City Manager's Annual Performance Evaluation
** Presentations and Proclamations:
Item 1.1 -  Report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Kerstyn Gonzales - LHHS News, Sports and Fund Raisers + Win-Win Everyday Partners.  Canned Food Drive, Student Blood Drive, Comedy Sports, Yearbook Senior Dedications, Christmas Tree and Wreath Drive, Poinsettia Sale
PTSA’s HAWK CHALLANGE GOLF & TENNIS TOURANMENT 2013   on Saturday, November 16th!
** Public Comments: Severe Parking Problem for Residents of Alicia Village.
** Consent Calendar - Warrant Register - $296,913.74
** Items of Interest from the Warrant Register- None
** Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar:
Item 3.4 - 1st Quarter Financial and Treasurer's Report for FY 2013-14
Item 3.5 - Progress Payment No. 1 for El Toro Rd. Pavement Rehab. Project.
** Items Pulled from the Warrant Register pulled for discussion: None
** Items pulled from the Consent Calendar pulled for discussion: Item 3.4 (1st Quarter Financial Report) was pulled by Mayor Kogerman for further explanation from Assist. City Manager Don White.
** City Council/Planning Agency Public Hearings:
Item 4.5.1 Application for Conditional Use Permit for The Hills Hotel
** Announcement by the City Attorney - A Change in Law effective January 1, 2014, requires the city council to announce the vote of each member.
** City Council Public Hearings
Item 5.1  Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Of Laguna Hills amending the LH Municipal Code, adopting California Building Standards Code 2013 Edition
AND
Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Of Laguna Hills amending LH Municipal Code, adopting 2013 Edition of the California Fire Code
** Administrative Reports:
Item 6.2.1 - Award of Consulting Services agreement to Matrix Consulting Group for Police Services Study
** Matters Agendized and Presented by Council Members and Mayor: None
** City Council Member Comments - About:
Representatives from the Transportation Corridor to be at the Nov. 26 City Council Meeting.
Election of Karen Robbins as new President of 3/5 Marines - Team Dark Horse
Comments by Mike Bland - Current President of Team Dark Horse about the 3/5's Marine Corps Birthday Ball and The Holiday Gift Collection for the 3/5 Marine Families going on now.
Alicia Plaza's resurfaced parking lot
** City Council Members Report Card - How did they score?
** Information, Comments, Questions, Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers from the previous blog post  ABOUT: The Presentation of LH Trail Access to Wilderness Park,  Business Licenses for the City?,  Thank you for Veterans Day Observance Suggestion,  Why keep spending money on landscape without maintaining it?

** You can place comments in the "COMMENTS" section at the bottom of this blog report and see comments there from others or you can send comments to  BlandMJ@aol.com   Your name will not be used in the comments section unless you give permission.

** HOW TO SUPPORT OUR 3/5 ADOPTED MARINES and UPDATES FROM - TEAM DARK HORSE: *** Team Dark Horse is Collecting Toys and Gifts for the  3/5 Marines and children for their Christmas Holiday Party through December 6, 2013  Generic multi purpose gifts of any amount on VISA or other similar cards are always needed for the older children.  Collection Boxes have been placed around town for unwrapped toys and gifts-please see details below.  **Thank you for your Support for the 3/5 Marines
** NEWS STORIES and BLOGS ABOUT LAGUNA HILLS - find more in the OC Register online under "City-by-City News" - "Laguna Hills" and in the OC Watchdog
** FIND the CRIME REPORT for YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - Look at Crime Reports for your Neighborhood at OC Sheriff's Blotter-  http://ws.ocsd.org/Blotter/BlotterSearch.aspx You can contact the Sheriff's Dispatch by phone at 949-425-1800
** WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Newspaper


Laguna Hills City Council Meeting - November 12, 2013
All Council Members were present
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Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at - ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

CLOSED SESSION - City Manager's Annual Performance Evaluation, 
(**Congratulations to Mayor Barbara Kogerman, and the new Council Members who changed the order of the council meetings to place "Closed Sessions" 1st rather than last on the Agenda. This increases transparency for Laguna Hills Citizens and allows for Public Comments as well as a report to the citizens, from each Closed Session, during the regular time period for City Council Meetings.)

Reportable Action from the Closed Session where the City Manager's Annual Performance Evaluation was considered - City Attorney Greg Simonian announced that by a unanimous vote of the city council it was decided to retain the professional consulting services of Ralph Anderson and Associates to facilitate the annual performance evaluation of the City Manager for the calendar year ending in 2013.


PRESENTATIONS and PROCLAMATIONS:

Item 1.1 -  Report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Kerstyn Gonzales
NEWS:  Canned Food Drive – Starts Tuesday November 12th through Thursday, November 21st to help the South County Outreach.  Tuesday, November 12th through Friday, November 15th, Chick-fil-A on El Toro Road has an appetizing incentive to participate!  Bring in 5 cans to the Laguna Hills Chick-fil-A and you will receive a free sandwich.  Bring in 3 cans and you will receive a free ice cream.  This is an all-day event.  Monday, November 18th and Tuesday, November 19th, Laguna Hill’s Mountain Mike’s will also be helping the Hawks’ canned food drive by giving free breadsticks if you bring in 2 cans to their restaurant!  This is an all-day event.  Helping our community has never been so tasty.

Student Blood Drive:  This Thursday, the Red Cross is hosting a Blood drive at the NPR at LHHS. They are taking donations throughout the entire day.

SPORTS: Comedy Sports  on Friday at 7:00 in the theater

FUND RAISERS:
Yearbook Senior Dedications – Due November 15th!
Senior dedication applications have been sent out and our yearbook staff is eagerly waiting to help you express your love for that graduating senior. IMPORTANT:  The LHHS Yearbook Staff can only accept senior dedications that have been purchased online using the Hawk WEBstore.  Drop off your order form, CD/USB flash drive and the Hawk WEBstore PRINTED RECEIPT at the ASB Office in an envelope with your student’s name on it and the words “Senior Dedication”.  Senior dedications are on a first-come first-served basis. Please do not forget to attach the receipt to the dedication or the dedication will be put on hold, until there is proof of purchase. You can download the application and layout forms on the LHHS Student Forms Website.

21st Annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Drive for Boy’s Soccer
The LHHS boys’ soccer team is once again selling Christmas trees and wreaths.  The deadline for orders has been extended to Friday, November15th. Don’t miss out!  Order your tree and/or wreath NOW!  You can pick up order forms from the Front Desk or from any boys soccer athletes. Distribution Day is Saturday, December 7th from 9:00am to Noon here, to the left of the LHHS football stadium.

Poinsettia Sale Benefitting LHHS for Girls Soccer

Once again, LHHS Girls Soccer is proud to present their Holiday Poinsettia Sale.  These exceptional, florist-quality plants from our local Armstrong Growers in San Juan Capistrano come in red, pink and white.  The medium size (6” pot with 6 – 8 blooms) are $12 each, and the larger (8” pot with 8 – 12 blooms) are $25 each.  Order now through November 20th using the electronic form (Holiday Poinsettias Order Form) or say YES when approached by a Girls Soccer player!  Plants will be delivered on Saturday, December 7th (same day as Boys Soccer trees) from 9:00 to 11:00am.  Contact Leigh Konopka at 949-290-2772 if you have any questions.  Thank you in advance for supporting LHHS Girls Soccer.

PTSA’s HAWK CHALLANGE GOLF & TENNIS TOURANMENT 2013  This year’s tourney will be held on Saturday, November 16th, at the Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Rancho Santa Margarita including Veteran Honors, Helicopter Golf Ball Drop, Dinner, Live and Silent Auctions, Dancing and more. This is the PTSA’s single biggest fundraiser, and proceeds benefit every single LHHS student. Cost is $150 per person, $120 for Golf Only and $35 for Dinner Only.
9:00 - 10:45 - Registration
11:00           - Shotgun Start (4-man scramble)
4:30 -  6:30  - Happy Hour, Ball Drop, Silent Auction
6:30 -  9:00  - Dinner & Live Auction
9:00 - 11:00 - DJ & Dancing
Contact: Lilly Zaprianoff at - lzaprianoff@yahoo.com
To purchase golf balls or the tickets for dinner and golf tournament please go to www.accelraise.com/e/LHHS
GO HAWKS!

** WIN WIN EVERYDAY  is a fundraising project of the Laguna Hills High School PTSA.  When you support LHHS "Everyday Partners" - Alpha Cleaners, Golden Baked Hams, ToGO's, Subway, Supercuts, and Latte Da Bagelry & Grill by going to our web site at: http://www.winwinwednesdays.com/ and clicking on the names of the businesses to download their fliers to take to these businesses when you purchase services or food from them, they will donate a portion of their proceeds to the LHHS PTSA. This all year long fund raising effort helps Laguna Hills High School PTSA 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!


PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Mike Sanders, Laguna Hills Resident, Program Manager for So. CA. Edison and Resident of Alicia Village brought a packet of information for each council member and told the city council that there is a severe parking problem for the residents of Alicia Village that is across from the High School. He said he is an accidental activist but the waiting time for parking is about 1 1/2 hours.  He said residents of each apartment are issued a carport and 2 permits for parking but what they don't tell you is that there are only 73 spaces in Alicia Plaza and only 93 spaces in Alicia Village which means there's about 150 - 200 cars looking for parking every night.  After 6 pm it's almost impossible to find parking and it's a safety, health and property damage hazard related to parking so far away where you can't see your car. He said his car has been damaged and he brought a petition signed by the residents who he said are all upset. He said there is a need to park on the street, however, when cars park on the street they are ticketed by the City of Laguna Hills so that makes matters worse. He noted that so many areas on streets around the Village are designated No Parking. He asked the city for help in developing some options for this problem where 500 families are involved.

Council Member Gilbert asked Mr. Sanders what did Alicia Village tell you about parking when you moved in?  Mike responded they told him he'd have a carport with free parking on a 1st come 1st served basis, but nobody disclosed the shortage of parking issue. Council Member Gilbert then asked the City Manager if the owners of this apartment complex are in violation of the City's parking regulations. City Manager Bruce Channing responded that it is challenging to find parking outside of the designated area there and a parking analysis needs to be done.
Mayor Barbara Kogerman referred Mr. Sanders to Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services and David Chantarangsu, Director of Community Development to see what solutions can be found and commented that it is important that residents bring these issues to the attention of the City Council.


CONSENT CALENDAR and WARRANT REGISTER

Item 3.3 - Warrant Register  - $296,913.74
** Items of Interest from the Warrant Register: None

** Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar: 
Item 3.4 - 1st Quarter Financial and Treasurer's Report for FY 2013-14
SUMMARY:  Staff is submitting to the City Council the Quarterly Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2013/14. The financial statements show the planned use of reserves for the first quarter. This is largely due to the number of revenues and expenditures that are unevenly received or expended over the course of the year. The City's total portfolio of $8,386,689 as of September 30, 2013, is invested in authorized securities.

Item 3.5 - Progress Payment No. 1 for El Toro Rd. Pavement Rehab. Project. $10,691.92 to All American Asphalt.
SUMMARY: Work on the El Toro Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project, and Ridge Route Drive Pavement Rehabilitation Project, began on November 6, 2013, and is being performed by All American Asphalt. The work is currently focused upon Ridge Route Drive. No work is scheduled for El Toro Road until early 2014. Work performed in November includes mobilization, review of utility clearances, and the beginning of clearing and grubbing. The contractor has submitted the first progress payment request for approval.

** Items pulled from the Warrant Register for discussion - None

** Items pulled from the Consent Calendar for Discussion -
Item 3.4 - 1st Quarter Financial and Treasurer's Report for FY 2013-14 was pulled by Mayor Barbara Kogerman for further explanation for the public.
Assist. City Manage Don White explained that the 1st quarter financial report historically reflects very little (only about 5%) of the general fund revenues.  In the 2nd quarter about 38% of the general revenue comes in.  In the 3rd quarter about 13% and in the 4th quarter about 44% of the general revenue comes in, whereas operating expenses are more evenly distributed throughout the year. Therefore City's Reserves are used to pay for expenses in the 1st 3 quarters of the fiscal year. He added that revenues are up about 21.4% over the same quarter last year, he hopes that trend continues and the City does not anticipate deviations from the budget.
Vote Consent Calendar with Warrant Register passed 5 - 0

** Announcement by the City Attorney - A Change in Law effective January 1, 2014, requires the city council to announce the vote of "Each Member".


CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Item 4.5.1  Application for Conditional Use Permit for Site Development and Parking Use for The Hills Hotel was presented by David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director, who noted that the closest residential dwellings, consisting of about 15 to 17 neighbors, to the Hotel are about 110 feet away from the hotel courtyard area and sit roughly 20 feet higher than the hotel.

**A total of 60 Public Hearing Notices were mailed to surrounding property owners within a 300’ radius of the subject site. To date, No Comments have been received.  The request is to allow the expansion of an existing 147-room hotel (and its accessory uses including restaurant and banquet facilities) allowing for a new pool and pool deck, spa, fitness center and outdoor courtyard with outside deck.

Parking Use Permit: Allow for modified parking standards based upon the Urban Land Institute’s shared parking methodology because the new construction will remove approx. 13 parking spaces. Strict application of the Code’s requirements shows that the hotel is deficient by 122 parking spaces. Given the deficit of parking under the City’s required parking ratios as described above, the Applicant commissioned a parking study from Linscott, Law & Greenspan (“LLG”) to evaluate the theoretical and actual parking demand of the hotel. The City's zonling code allows an option for a shared parking analysis under these circumstances. The parking study found that even with 100% occupancy of the hotel there would still be enough of a surplus to provide sufficient parking. Staff has also added a condition that when there is an event with more than 175 persons they would be prepared to implement a parking management plan including valet parking or temporary offsite parking.

Site Development Permit: Permit the following site improvements:
(1) Removal of an existing +/- 1,300 square foot outdoor swimming pool and deck located in the central atrium area;
(2) Construction of a new 612 square foot pool and spa and deck in a portion of the parking lot at the north end of the hotel;
(3) Renovation and construction of an +/- 8,500 square foot outdoor courtyard for use primarily as a sitting area, outdoor lounge, and garden area, including the construction of an outside deck. According to the Applicant, the intended use of the new +/- 8,500 square foot outdoor courtyard is for the hotel guests' garden pleasure with an occasional wedding ceremony or quiet cocktail reception in the area with no loud music or dancing and there will not be dance floor use for this location; and Condition #37, from staff,  provides for a noise study if there are complaints with reasonable mitigation measures determined by a professional.
(4) Construction of a new fitness center near the new pool and spa.

Staff Recommendation - Following this review, staff has determined that the proposed project, subject to the recommended conditions of approval, staff believes that this project will provide an aesthetic enhancement to the hotel, allow the hotel to provide guests with valuable amenities that comply with ADA requirements, and not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood. Staff has reviewed the Development Code requirements in addition to the General Plan’s goals and strategies, and has determined that this Conditional Use Permit/Changed Plan, Parking Use Permit, and Site Development Permit is in compliance with these regulations. Therefore, approval, as conditioned, is recommended.

Technical Questions from Council Members on this issue to David Chantaragnsu, Director of Community Development

Mayor Pro-Tem Blount asked, under condition # 19 - use of the hotel parking lot limited to hotel employees and registered guests, if people would be able to park in the parking lot to have lunch the restaurant there, etc. David Chantarangsu answered yes, this is not intended to exclude any hotel patrons.  Mayor Kogerman recommended a correction to that condition to include hotel patrons.

Council Member Bressette disclosed that he had previously spoken about this issue with staff, with Council Member Carruth and with one neighbor living adjacent to the hotel.  Bressette asked Mr. Chantarangsu about the hotel lighting and any parking plan for multiple events going on concurrently. He asked if temporary lighting would be low level and if the hotel could bring in one of those 20 foot tall lights that runs with a generator.  Chantarangsu answered that type of  generator light is not allowed. Bressette asked if that was clear to the applicant and do we need to add a condition re. keeping the doors closed to the pool equipment room and asked about ADA issues. Chantarangsu said he believed that keeping the pool equipment room door closed would be clear but could add that plus the applicant must accommodate the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and suggested asking the applicant if the conditions are clear to him.

Council Member Melody Carruth acknowledged she spoke with a resident about this and launched a laundry list of concerns including:  Did the City's parking study consider the room in the parking lot consumed by long term storage containers?  Can we strengthen the language re. outdoor storage for full compliance?  Can we require the storage area to be screened?  Will the storage container be permanent?  Can we change the language from no expectation of loud music to not allowing loud music?  Will the building labeled "Administration Building" be used for entertainment?  Could the outdoor garden area be used for smoking?  David Chantaragnsu responded the parking study considered the overall parking supply, the zoning code allows permanent outdoor storage provided it's screened, we can ask for screening for the storage area, but don't anticipate the storage area being permanent.  He added hotels do need storage areas and responded that the outdoor area must follow the city's code regarding loud music and regarding smoking as with any other outdoor eating areas.

Mayor Barbara Kogerman disclosed that about 2 months ago, she and Council Member Melody Carruth toured The Hills Hotel and talked with the owner about what he expected to accomplish with these improvements.

PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS Beginning with the Applicant

Mr. Michael Mofid, the hotel owner, said he is a Laguna Hills Resident and heard their concern about the noise and containers and all of that and he agrees to what the staff wants and will continue to work with them. He said he wants to be sure that the residents of the hotel as well as the residents in the community are happy so he is making these improvements that are required to make the hotel a 4 Star hotel, and would not want a noisy environment for the hotel guests or the community. He explained he needed the storage containers to store the hotel fixtures that he is upgrading and will give the used and stored fixtures to other hotels but will get rid of the container when the construction is completed because he does not want the hotel guests or residents to have to look at the storage any longer than necessary. He said he hopes to have the construction of there pool completed by the 1st half of next year.  He added the same is true of lighting, that he would not want it to bother the hotel guests or the community.

Council Member Bressette asked Mr. Mofid if he'd considered pre-approved permanent lighting for the courtyard area, if the pool equipment was loud, if smoking will be prohibited in the courtyard, and if signs would be posted regarding no smoking in the courtyard.  He added the law says smoking is limited to be not within 20 feet of an outdoor dining or patio area and he just wanted to be sure that Mr. Mofid understood this.   Mr. Mofid responded that he agreed with low level lighting and probably would not need additional lighting and he would be happy to make that a part of this plan. The pool equipment doors open toward the pool and the equipment is quiet related to hotel about 1/2 horsepower for the pool and for the spa so it is not loud enough to bother the guests or the neighbors. Regarding smoking, Mr. Mofid said he could not guarantee that no guests in the courtyard would ever break the law and smoke but would do his best to comply with the city code as required.  He said he would put no smoking signs up and let them know.

Council Member Melody Carruth told Mr. Mofid that he pitches his hotel as non-smoking but lables one room a cigar room so what goes on in the cigar room?  She asked why the square building was labeled "Administrative Offices" and was Mr. Mofid sure there would be no music in that room or could it be used as a dance room?  She asked how many weddings are conducted there each year and if Mr. Mofid would screen the storage area.   Mr. Mofid responded it is not a cigar room but a patio balcony outside, but if that is a problem with the City Laws it could be removed. The square building, half of it is for sales and other offices and there is a 4th of it that opens to the pool for serving the food that is brought there to be taken outside or can be eaten inside, but there is no music in that room. Mr. Mofid said there were 3 weddings in the past year. Mr Mofid told Council Member Carruth that he agreed with all the conditions and she responded. "Great".  He also responded that he cannot screen the storage area right now because it requires access by trucks, and all the equipment and machinery for construction for all the deliveries and pickups for the hotel, but after the project is completed all of this will be gone.

Jacqueline Sim, Laguna Hills Resident said she has been living behind the hotel since 1971 said she questioned the widening of the I-5 Freeway at La Paz.  She heard there would be 3 options: nothing being done, or 1 lane widened or 2 lanes widened. She asked, Is this going to happen or not and she fears losing her home to a wall.  if there is another freeway wall up there how would that affect the Hills Hotel if guests have to look at a wall and how would noise bouncing off a sound wall affect the hotel and her community above the hotel. Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Relations responded that the widening of the freeway will not have a direct affect on The Hills Hotel because they are distant enough from the freeway, but there would be sound walls constructed in certain locations and the city council did comment on the impact including looking at the reflection of noise from sound walls. We have asked the question but don't have answers yet. Regarding proposed sound walls on property lines of homeowners, the homeowners will be contacted to ask if they are supportive of the wall.

Comments from Council Members

Council Member Melody Carruth asked if the City could add a condition requiring that the City be reimbursed, by the applicant, for the cost of any measures necessary to enforce the City's code related to this applicant's permit.   City Attorney Greg Simonian answered, No, that is a cost traditionally borne by the City there are certain violations that carry penalties, but not in routine code enforcement action. Carruth asked again for the addition of screening for the outdoor storage area in condition # 14. City Attorney Greg Simonian added that screening is a typical addition so you may consider adding a statement that any temporary use of the parking lot for the storage of construction, equipment and/or supplies shall be fully screened from public right of way and from adjacent residents. Carruth stated that would satisfy her.

Council Member Bressette asked if we could get permanent lighting installed according to code.  Mr. Chantarangsu answered that is addressed in the lighting plan in the 2nd half of condition 22.

Council Member Dore Gilbert contributed that Mr. Mofid has told us of his desire to remove any of the storage he can remove as quickly as possible, so he didn't see the point or the need for Mr. Mofid to incur the additional expense to screen the storage.  Council Member Carruth responded that he is not complying now with that condition, he has material out in the parking lot now and almost all of the time, so she doesn't think it's fair for residents above to have to look at that. 
Council Member Gilbert asked Mr. Mofid if he would respond to Council Member Carruth's concerns.  Mr. Mofid noted again that the problem is moving in and out of thr storage area to take things out.  He noted that he is donating the things that he has taken out of his hotel, that are in good shape, to other hotels and motels, including toilets, mattresses, and granite, etc., so he needs access to get them out of there and he is trying to move it all in and then out as quickly as possible.  He added that no matter how tall he makes walls to wall it off it could still be seen by the residents in the neighborhood positioned on the hill above the hotel.

Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Blount made a Motion for approval of the permit for this hotel expansion that was seconded by Council Member Gilbert.

Council Member Melody Carruth continued that outdoor storage is prohibited by City Code, but City Attorney Simonian injected that the code does allow for temporary storage and adding conditions to that could be inconsistant with the code.  Carruth then asked that the maker of the motion consider adding that the outdoor courtyard area be smoke free and the City Attorney responded that matter is covered in condition 23 so no need to add more. Carruth also asked again if the maker of the motion would add a condition for screening.

Mayor Pro-Tem Blount responded that he had a discussion with Mr. Mofid about 16 to 18 months ago and met with staff in the last couple of weeks who basically answered all of his questions.  Items in the container are construction related not in long term storage so he would not extend screening to construction materials that need to be accessed and this could add a hazard to accessing the materials.  Council Member Bressette agreed no need to cover this in the motion but added to the applicant that he should get rid of things that have already been kept too long.

Mayor Barbara Kogerman commented that this would be a 4 Star Facility with all that Mr. Mofid is doing and that is great for and will bring benefit to our City both in prestige and financially.  She said she is convinced that our staff has been extremely prudent in dealing with all the concerns.

Council Member Melody Carruth responded that they are also here to protect the public and everything here depends upon how faithfully and honestly this applicant will comply. She added she will not support the motion because the applicant has never complied with the conditions of that electronic signboard and used the parking lot for waste, etc. 

Mayor Barbara Kogerman responded that Mr. Mofid has complied with concerns in the past.  She verified with Mr. Chantrarangsu that there had been a total of 4 complaints in the past and they had all been satisfactorily addressed, so she said we now need to move on to the issues that are before us as opposed to what one council member's perception might be.  She added that she does trust the applicant.

Council Member Bressette defended Carruth stating that everything she brought up tonight was appropriate.  

VOTE was 4 to 1 in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to The Hills Hotel to move it toward becoming a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills. The "NO" vote was Council Member Carruth.


CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Item 5.1  Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Of Laguna Hills amending Title 10 of the LH Municipal Code, adopting by reference, the California Building Standards Code 2013 Edition, consisting of The California Building Code, The California Mechanical Code, The California Electrical Code, The California Code, The California Green Building Standards Code, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.  David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director
read the complete text of this Ordinance into the record and added that the City is required by state law to adopt the 2013 Building Standards Code which can be found in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and In addition staff is recommending the City Council adopt the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) which works in harmony with the Building Standards Code to enhance swimming pool and spa safety.

AND

Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Of Laguna Hills amending Title 5 of the LH Municipal Code, adopting by reference the 2013 Edition of the California Fire Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to the life and property from fire or explosion. In conjunction with the adoption of the Building Standards Code, OCFA also recommends the City Council adopt additional changes to enhance the design of building construction. The modifications recommended by OCFA are included in the proposed ordinances. Almost all amendments are technical in nature with the exception of an amended definition for “Hazardous Fire Area” under the Residential Code amendment. The existing definition would be revised to give the City’s Fire Official the authority to require a “Fuel Modification Plan” for new construction due to the presence of combustible vegetation. The plan essentially establishes landscaping restrictions around new development, such as a single-family residence, for the purpose of keeping combustible vegetation away from the structure. Only one vacant lot exists where the requirement would be applicable. However, the Fuel Modification Requirements could also be imposed if activity equivalent to new development was taking place.
Details of these codes and other information can be found on the City web site under the agenda item for this meeting in the "Supporting Materials".

Dennis Grubb, Assistant Fire Marshall, with the Orange County Fire Authority added some information about an amendment prohibiting the release of "Sky Lanterns", also known as Kongming lanterns or Chinese lanterns, are small hot air balloons made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended that cause fires.  Other amendments are to provide minimum safety margins for our hydraulically calculated sprinklers, to reduce false alarms when a company to another alarm company, and to decreasing recycle center temperatures. There was a fire about a month ago associated with a recycle center fire that lasted for 2 days.

Council Member Randall Bressette asked why new swimming pool safety standards could not be made retroactive. David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director explained that property owners have vested rights related to receiving a building permit when they constructed their pools or other structures.  City Attorney Greg Simonian agreed.   Bressette also asked if our policy of having the Fire Authority visit homes during the construction of a swimming pool needs to be formally addressed in our code.  Chantarangsu said that process has been working but there may be some liability issues if we don't.  Bressette's last question was what does the time for turnover of pool water mean re. the actual time for that to happen?  Chantarangsu said he believes it's 24 hours.

VOTE was 5 - 0 in Favor of adopting the new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA. for a second reading.


ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS -

Item 6.2.1 - Award of Consulting Services agreement to Matrix Consulting Group for Police Services Study.

SUMMARY:  The City of Laguna Hills has successfully contracted for police services with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department since Incorporation. However, the Sheriff’s contract has outpaced inflation since 2005-06 and expected increases in retirement rates will likely expose the City to further increases in the future. The City Council approved a Major Plan in the budget to study staffing levels in the City’s Law Enforcement contract with the County of Orange. The City Council authorized staff to issue a Consultant Services Request for Proposals for a Police Services Study and appoint an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee composed solely of two members of the City Council to evaluate proposals and to make a final recommendation to the City Council regarding consultant selection.

Council Member Carruth asked if we are providing and paying for police services in other cities related to shared staffing?  City Manager Channing responded no, but study will look at full compensation.

FISCAL IMPACT - The total cost of the study is $43,000. The budget allocates $25,000. However, as stated in the August 27, 2013 report, staff expected that the scope of the project would cause the study to cost more than the budgeted amount.

Council Member Bressette questioned spending money for the study of water rates which he said he thought was also important and suggested a less expensive study.

Assist. City Manager Don White explained that the budget also allocated $25,000 for consultant assistance to help the City accomplish another of its major plans, to research and identify strategies to lower water rates for Laguna Hills residences and businesses. Staff has made progress on this major plan and is of the opinion that the City will not require any outside help. Therefore, staff is recommending that $18,000 of the amount allocated for researching water rates be used to pay for the police services study.

Staff Recommendation: On October 21, 2013, the Ad Hoc Committee, assisted by the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Chief of Police Services, interviewed all three firms. The Ad Hoc Committee, with the concurrence of City staff, is recommending that the City retain the services of Matrix Consulting Group to conduct a police services evaluation. This recommendation is based in part on Matrix’s extensive experience (over 250 police related studies) and the subject matter expertise of their principal consultant. Overall, the committee felt that Matrix’s experience and project personnel would be the most likely to produce innovative recommendations for the City.  A consulting services agreement has been prepared and is attached to this report.

VOTE was 5 - 1 in favor of paying for the Police Services Study.

MATTERS AGENDIZED AND PRESENTED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND MAYOR - None


CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:

Council Member Carruth asked for representatives from the (TCA) Transportation Corridor Authority to be agendized for the Nov. 26 to make a presentation to the City Council Meeting and all agreed.

Mayor Barbara Kogerman announced the election of Karen Robbins, as the new President of Team Dark Horse, the Support Committee for the City's adopted 3/5 Marines in Camp Pendleton.  She sent congratulations to Karen and affirmed her as a great choice.  She also announced that Mike Bland, had been an amazing president and chosen by Camp Pendleton to be the best Citizen Volunteer in 2012. Mayor Kogerman added he has done so much for the committee, for the city, for the Marines out of his own pocket and sweat and we've developed a marvelous repationship and she asked him to come up and say a few words about the new President.

Mike Bland, Laguna Hills Resident and Current President of theTeam Dark Horse Committee confirmed that the new President will be Karen Robbins, who has been the secretary of the corporation from day one.  She was highly recommended by Council Member Carruth.  Mike said Karen will do a great job and he will stay on the board for next year and retire in 2015 and move to Oceanside.

** Mike announced the Holiday Toy and Gift collection for the 3/5 Marines and gave the locations of the collection boxes:Laguna Hills City Hall on El Toro Rd., 
Laguna Hills Community Center on Alicia Pkwy.,
Nellie Gail Ranch HOA Club House and Equestrian Center,
Laguna Hills Mall,
Players Sports Tavern (in Laguna Hills corner of Moulton and Ridge Route),
Farmers and Merchants Bank (in Laguna Hills next to the Post Office),
Florence Sylvester Senior Center (in Laguna Hills in the Center where the DMV is located.)
** The Holiday Party for the 3/5  Marines is Dec. 7, so collections will be through Dec. 6. 

Mike reported that the 3/5 Marines are currently in Training in 29 Palms and will be back just before Thanksgiving.  He told the council that when he attended the last Park and Rec. Committee Meeting they all talked about hanging banners and the Committee has volunteered to pay for the 25 banners for the fallen 3/5 Marines. He added, If the council decides to go that way we would love to post them on the route of the race, so the race participants would be able to see them. We're having a problem getting the photos of the 25, but would love to see that happen. You can imagine what those family members would think seeing their son or husband.

Mike reminded Mayor Barbara Kogerman that he and the Mayor had not mentioned the 3/5 Marine Birthday Ball that they attended. He said it was fantastic. It was great to see the Marines in their dress uniforms and the women in their gowns, over 200 of which were donated by the people in our community.  Mike said that Mayor Barbara Kogerman was able to sit at a table with Lt. Col Rice and Brigadier General Carl E. Mundy, III, who was a former Commander of the 3/5, and she told the General about Mike, so when Mike met the General he mentioned that the 3/5 would probably be gone on Memorial Day and the General volunteered to come up and run and help us get a static display.  

Mayor Barbara Kogerman added that Karen Robbins is the person who writes all the wonderful articles about the 3/5 Marines for the Pony Express and for the press and does a beautiful job, is a wonderful writer, very sensitive person and the Committee will be in good hands with her.  Mike said the 1st Official 3/5 Team Dark Horse Committee Newsletter will be coming out next week and added he never thought he would have enjoyed something as much as he has enjoyed the last few years with the 3/5 Committee and the Marines.

Mayor Kogerman also mentioned that the Alicia Plaza's parking lot has been resurfaced and that is a vast improvement.

The Next regular City Council Meeting is Tuesday, November 26, 2013 - 7 pm, at City Hall  Contact Laguna Hills City Council Members at ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
** In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in City Council meetings, you should contact the office of the City Clerk at (949) 707‑2635. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
================================

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:

Blount 
P - for Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assistg in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - for vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study

Bressette
P - for Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assistg in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - for vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study

Carruth
F - for Vote against granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assisting in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills
P - for vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study

Gilbert
P - for Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assistg in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - for vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study

Kogerman
P - for Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assistg in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - for vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study

City Manager - Nothing this time

** INFORMATION, COMMENTS QUESTIONS and CONCERNS from Watch Dog Readers since the last council meeting: About: The Presentation of LH Trail Access to Wilderness Park,  Business Licenses for the City?,  Thank you for Veterans Day Observance Suggestion,  Why keep spending money on landscape without maintaining it?

Anonymous said...
I have attended many council meetings and I can't remember a council member with a presentation like the one Member Melody Carruth did on her "consideration of Ridge Route Drive right-of-way utilization as public trail access to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park". There were no photos or PowerPoint presentation for the general public to see while her discussion was going on. If the council wants citizens to be informed and attend council meetings, the presentation needs to be such that the public can understand and see what the council is talking about. During this presentation, the people in the audience had no idea what she was talking about except for the gentleman from North Laguna Hills who also spoke about this.

Anonymous said...
Doctor's Ambulance Service - Here in business at the same location since 1990 (23 years) and we didn't know about it? It was hard for me to believe that so many did not know Doctor's Ambulance Service has been at the same location in our city for 23 years. I have always thought it would make sense to require business licenses for all business in the city so the city council/staff and the public knows about them. The license could be a nominal amount that would insure we all know what is operating within our city limits.

Anonymous said...
A big Thank You to Mayor Barbara Kogerman for your request for the observance of Veterans Day. I will sure pass this along to our adopted 3/5 Marines and know they will be very pleased that you are doing this. Mike Bland

Anonymous said...
Why do the city council members that claim to be so conservative keep trying to take on more and more expensive landscape projects when so many Laguna Hills citizens have to stare at bare slopes and broken sprinklers? If they care about North Laguna Hills start there and fix the existing problems before looking for more ways to spend our money. Is that how they spend money at home, by taking on more and more without maintaining what they have?


** HOW TO SUPPORT THE 3rd BATTALION, 5th MARINE DIVISION adopted by the City of Laguna Hills

** 1st Newsletter from the Team Dark Horse Committee will be launched next week.  Please watch for it.    

Team Dark Horse says THANK YOU, **BE SURE TO GO TO THE TEAM DARK HORSE web site at  http://teamdarkhorse.org/  to SEE HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE HELPING.
*** Team Dark Horse is Collecting Toys and Gifts for the  3/5 Marines and children for their Christmas Holiday Party that will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. Unwrapped toys and gifts will be collected through Dec 6.  Generic gifts of any amount on VISA or other similar cards are always needed for the older children.  Toy Collection Boxes can be found around town at the following locations: Laguna Hills City Hall on El Toro Rd., 
Laguna Hills Community Center on Alicia Pkwy.,
Nellie Gail Ranch HOA Club House and Equestrian Center,
Laguna Hills Mall,
Players Sports Tavern (in Laguna Hills corner of Moulton and Ridge Route),
Farmers and Merchants Bank (in Laguna Hills next to the Post Office),
Florence Sylvester Senior Center (in Laguna Hills in the Center where the DMV is located.)

**Thank you so much for your donations that express appreciation for the services and sacrifices of the 3/5 Marines and their families.
You can visit the Laguna Hills 3/5 Adopted Marines Face book page at LAGUNA HILLS TEAM DARK HORSE.  Donation checks can be made to "Laguna Hills Team Dark Horse" and mailed to - Team Dark Horse, 27251 Lost Colt Dr., Laguna Hills, CA. 92653 or anyone can now donate via PayPal on the web site at  http://teamdarkhorse.org/  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.

Please see 2 very special messages below from Wounded Warrior Capt. Cameron West, who lost his right leg and the sight in his right eye while serving with the 3/5 in Sangin, and Corporal Travis Haggerty, who runs in our Memorial Day race every year carrying an American Flag containing the names of all the 3/5 Marines lost in Afghanistan during their deployment in 2010 and does such a wonderful job of expressing thanks from all of us. 

In 2010, the 3/5 Marines Darkhorse Battalion lost 25 Marines during their deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan.

About the 2013 Laguna Hills' Memorial
Capt. Cameron West said:   Day Event,  “Last night after all the festivities and the day came to a close, I thought to myself that there was nowhere else I would rather have been on this Memorial Day.  And that’s a pretty big deal thinking of all the family and friends that I could have been with, but I realized for that day Laguna Hills took their place, and did a fine job doing it."
Corporal Haggerty said:  Mr. Bland,  I would like to thank you for yesterday and all the things that Team Darkhorse and Laguna Hills made possible for memorial day. Every time we see the people interacting with all the Marines and truly taking time to remember our fallen brothers is a honor. A success would be a understatement for how yesterday went. All of you have done so much for our battalion, and even more for our Gold Star families and wounded warriors, and we can not thank you enough for taking care of our brothers. Again, everything that all of you have done and the efforts that you have put forth do not go unnoticed.   Thank you and Semper Fi,    Corporal Haggerty


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

www.PUBLICCEO.com
Opinion: Release Grand Jury Transcripts on OC City Manager Salaries http://www.publicceo.com/2013/09/opinion-release-grand-jury-transcripts-on-o-c-city-manager-salaries/
VOICE of OC - Community Editorial: Brandman Transcripts Should Be Released, Comment by Professor Fred Smoller 9-5-13 http://www.voiceofoc.org/community_editorial_board/article_44e78358-15e4-11e3-9405-001a4bcf887a.html?TNNoMobile
LA Times - The Use of Government Influence On a Private Educational Institution 7/5/12 http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-adv-professor-fallout-20130901,0,7321736.story
** Letter to the Editor from Laguna Hills City Council Member Andrew Blount -Tiered billing schemes for water not fair  -  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/water-522523-billing-tiered.html
Laguna Hills looks to mall sale to spur town-center plans by Megan Nicolai  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mall-516142-hills-laguna.html
Robbins:Supporting Team Dark Horse, by Karen Robbins, March 8, 2013 The Orange County Register http://www.ocregister.com/news/dark-498871-horse-marines.html
Latest Update on the Orange County Animal Shelter in the OC Register Newspaper - The 54 percent overall death rate was pretty much the same as 2011 http://www.ocregister.com/news/cats-496442-percent-animal.html
Distinguished Budget Award’ more about good looks than financial health January 17, 2013 - OC Watchdog by Keegan Kyle, http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2013/01/17/distinguished-budget-award-more-about-good-looks-than-financial-health/165287/  
Resident's Resolutions for Laguna Hills, Lake Forest at http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-382833-lake-forest.html
Laguna Hills Needs an Identity of its Own at http://www.ocregister.com/news/laguna-382827-hills-town.html
Ka-chinghe sound of a city manager being fired - just click on http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/10/19/ka-ching-the-sound-of-a-city-manager-being-fired/163292/
Grand Jury gets last laugh on "Shadowy" pension costs - Orange County Register OC Watchdog - Oct. 8, 2012 http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/10/08/grand-jury-gets-last-laugh-on-shadowy-pension-costs/162930/
City officials abused power, grand jury says July 6th, 2012, 1:22 am · posted by Teri Sforza, Register staff writer http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/07/06/city-officials-abused-power-grand-jury-says/158361/
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 http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fewer-338291-killed-shelter.html?pic=1
Total euthanasia rate of 53%. 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. 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.
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/ 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
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
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 onhttp://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/
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."


** FIND the CRIME REPORT for YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - For a roundup of Laguna Hills police calls check Sheriff's Blotter information - County of Orange at: http://ws.ocsd.org/Blotter/BlotterSearch.aspx  then choose city and either a 7 day view or a 30 day view.  The Sheriff's Blotter enables residents to know what activity is occurring in their communities. A regular review of the calls in your area and the year-to-date crime statistics, at the bottom of each page in the OCSD Patrol Areas section, will provide you an accurate view of law enforcement activity in your community. It will also show you Official Radio Codes. You can contact the Sheriff's Dispatch by phone at 949-425-1800.
** You can also check the Saddleback Valley News every Friday for highlights of the police calls.


** WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the Orange County Register Newspaper - e-mail to letters@ocregister.com    Please provide your name, city and telephone number (telephone numbers will not be published). Letters of about 200 words or videos of 30-seconds each will be given preference. Letters will be edited for length, grammar and clarity.