[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6586334,"mediaKeyId","5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72","parentId",5534275,"title","Residents ask council to address local hillside maintenance and an overgrown corner at Hahn Hill","audioSeconds",55,"startMs",807000,"endMs",862000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72&start=807&end=862","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72/thumbnail_807000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6586334/Laguna-Niguel-City/Orange-County/California/Residents-ask-council-to-address-local-hillside-maintenance-and-an-overgrown-corner-at-Hahn-Hill","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586334-c30e2c2e4bec6af3831aaac42f92981e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207987&Signature=dOhX5VwyiP1KIQk1aNUeGbY7bfyfpvxpNIbAlmg2nMDHy9ZSDfF6qfguHPtId4UxjsZArx4I5Jfp6a9se4LyZsDASk3CtT92OstruGcFtyZ4R-6QJYh3v7iFxKRTbZ80r3ph53kHud5Ac6ucq0y7WrDREqKexVj806QzhAdx2y5OQjzpoXjQBZ2hMlAKYTwDeGExHHwf7oPt3Gk969B3OLUvjkMAG6HOEOu5zDIxDNhpD6uj2L2xq5GoGkkNqIFxrswNo1L05kfHcghb0mFwIl7cR6fUPIGqUZ3lHiTLHecG27Cp6b-2dxGGWP3OSN12jcs6QU-JEQxKK2Er5OHaXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-08-05T04:50:58Z","article","Two residents used public comment to press the council on local maintenance and stormwater concerns. Craig Carmel said the corner where Pacific Island Drive and Crown Valley Parkway meet at the base of Hahn Hill has been surrounded by a chest-high chain-link fence and overgrown weeds for two decades. Carmel said the site collects trash and sandbags and suggested the private owner convey the property to the city to allow beautification, while acknowledging he did not know the owner's identity or the property's legal status.

John Fernandez, a Nogal resident of 38 years, described erosion and stormwater concerns on the Niguel Summit hillside, saying stormwater facilities were clogged by vegetation and debris and that prior slides on Via Estoril made the area susceptible to additional movement. Fernandez said a homeowner association contractor left cut plant material at the lower wilderness area and that long-standing maintenance gaps exist where responsibility shifts between HOAs. He asked the council who is responsible for maintenance in that zone.

City staff acknowledged receipt of the comments and said a member of staff would follow up with each speaker. No formal action, report or referral was made during the meeting; both matters were raised as public comment for staff follow-up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting: August 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Two residents raised neighborhood maintenance issues during public comment: a longtime resident called for beautification of a fenced corner at the base of Hahn Hill, and another described stormwater, erosion and debris concerns at the Niguel Summit/Via Estoril hillside and asked who is responsible.","taxTitle","Laguna Niguel City, Orange County, California","taxId",5540,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6586338,"Laguna Niguel, OC Parks plan town hall after fish die-off at Laguna Niguel Regional Park Lake",42,900000,942000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72&start=900&end=942","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72/thumbnail_900000.jpg","/articles/6586338/Laguna-Niguel-City/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Niguel-OC-Parks-plan-town-hall-after-fish-die-off-at-Laguna-Niguel-Regional-Park-Lake","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586338-83f40e194a84bf9783ab0f1488907432/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207987&Signature=mwf5S8DI6578jhFOvrsCz3vUFScLBUjqfxa6mixi2UjqC2NpDzWVBF0CGk8waNAIcmwhvIsYnjj-KDy5yrnMifd7aN2iAE5LmASQYkB-Sg7ENAkK3h5VFGxAv6tjoQd8TGW46k-njVM3wGFxfnaRIy~wCyM2VCbCaT-fI5k4PmChmp1V~pMfFbZXVSJgdha-SJUo2k3S527UY6ftWMmEJRFTGw2Y1f3ur1BPaCjFWpxEdK32bq~h7~p67Kv6FjM7SP7c-5N-IH6H4AbBwkMpAKX85GNWQsjF5knnDPzs-M4FRJtSNaaZBovvEY6WzkJw8zGBCvWdNQM5ID27LPE3Gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Following a recent fish die-off at Laguna Niguel Regional Park Lake, Laguna Niguel elected officials announced a town hall at the park to share findings and gather public input. Council members said more than 600 fish died; county park rangers collected water samples, sent fish for laboratory testing, and used hydro-mapping technology to identify where fish died or remain alive in the lake.

Mayor Pro Tem Jean Johns and other council members said Orange County Parks will present survey findings at a town hall at Laguna Niguel Regional Park Shelter 10 on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The city said park entry will be free for attendees. Council members said the event will include discussion of park amenities and potential improvements, including concerns about a deteriorating boathouse.

Council members said the lake is a popular local fishing spot and that they and county staff want to hear residents' concerns and suggestions for park concessions and infrastructure improvements. Orange County Parks's dedicated web page on the incident was referenced as the place for updates.

Why it matters: The die-off affects a widely used recreational resource and raises questions about water quality and fisheries management; the town hall will be a public opportunity to hear county findings and community concerns.","Council members and county officials will hold a town hall at Laguna Niguel Regional Park on Aug. 9 after more than 600 fish died in the park lake; county parks and rangers tested water samples and are expected to present findings.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6586343,"Local officials continue opposition to proposed battery facility; community college's benefit agreement draws criticism",98,899000,997000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72&start=899&end=997","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72/thumbnail_899000.jpg","/articles/6586343/Laguna-Niguel-City/Orange-County/California/Local-officials-continue-opposition-to-proposed-battery-facility-community-colleges-benefit-agreement-draws-criticism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586343-08bb183dee81b2a7204ab93eeeeee125/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207987&Signature=HZ362Mo2X0PhZQ0ViznUoaYnukHW-5fyLcVVzGWE13SMwszEmZ0VeTUYldCjqraP4DWghcB6cICz~vMlbEFa2r7ptPUpLit329kJlgsmXRXhT9UHTOhODWknnQnYTXzmZQylsXjUPZJ6hJKzHtchD96SKVxDcuDiOVFvw~6pLXnJdYTNc4J3C0-EnHkBi40CQRsCzMS1-KT3zlOXBdNpo5geiaLLp9MBR0DP41LXxg0lBCgBcvkDXnEraVeo5-HMYfRDAMUFC6oG1fGMz8E5s1T66qIYpqrtPhJ7dQRlNWE7aplsJBUixYY6go~D~dbVPUhfoGRfHseSp0nZtKm~yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laguna Niguel elected officials continued to describe regional opposition to a proposed lithium battery energy storage facility sited near homes, schools, rail lines and I-5. Council members said elected officials across affected cities are opposed to the project and that state and regional representatives have been asked to intervene.

Council Member Otto reported that state-level opposition has been expressed in correspondence and that local officials remain concerned about siting and safety. In remarks to the council, Otto and other members said they have coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions and filed opposition. The council noted that the California Energy Commission (CEC) requires applicants to submit community benefits agreements as part of some permitting processes.

Council members and speakers at recent public meetings criticized one local agency'the South Orange County Community College District'for approving a community benefits agreement that would have provided $750,000 to the district from the applicant (identified by speakers as ENGIE). According to speakers at a community college board meeting described by council members, about 20 members of the public spoke in opposition at that meeting and the college chancellor said the board had directed staff to try to withdraw from the previously signed agreement. Council members described the district's action as controversial and said some organizations have declined such payments to avoid appearing to support the project.

Why it matters: Council members said the facility would be sited near populated neighborhoods and schools and that the permitting process and community benefits agreements are playing a role in state-level approval decisions. Council members urged continued coordination with neighboring cities, county supervisors and state representatives.

No formal action or new local permit was taken by the Laguna Niguel City Council at this meeting; council members described continuing advocacy efforts and public engagement.","Council members reported ongoing opposition to a proposed battery energy storage facility near homes and schools, and criticized the South Orange County Community College District's acceptance of a $750,000 community benefits agreement with the project applicant; trustees reportedly may be seeking to withdraw from the agreement.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6586348,"Resident raises concerns about unlicensed sober-living homes; council says staff will follow up",80,849000,929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72&start=849&end=929","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72/thumbnail_849000.jpg","/articles/6586348/Laguna-Niguel-City/Orange-County/California/Resident-raises-concerns-about-unlicensed-sober-living-homes-council-says-staff-will-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586348-96179982e0ff722ff0935d29a2aaec0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207987&Signature=XjSjVxFB02duaYlZNT1MkrVJFI1gTUxSErBMfZqlQRDwqPO54MfC80GmiiySjqSuh~dVI2lJFOYS6xdBJFg8UM6rHeOjwuyRAdot~o65KTZbs~iuBHGcz9EMc0mBRSyFmNeWWs0yq1NQtCNgEWARp7JcbS4m~rnmhzvcOphnbOngR40Q1RnkXZD72fZeE~AqsczIIDniw4Mgfv6BvSXMsAEn0a~vaSarQMlB9mKI~VbdyMbSPh~AddL-ItE-ipzId6KRxJidbqe~7BPuh27I~dMtJURS64zSK8teZNHgtfuf1hbonVKoA~yEY~hNu~P2MPDRLuQQwctrhez33qufyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Jessica Cummings, identifying herself as a resident and medical provider, addressed the Laguna Niguel City Council during public comment to raise concerns about unlicensed sober-living homes in parts of the city. Cummings said such homes often lack oversight, which she said creates conditions that jeopardize patient safety and destabilize neighborhoods. She named areas in the city where she said the problem is occurring and described increased crime, loitering and homelessness she associated with the homes.

Cummings told the council she was urging \"outrageous urgency\" to impose fines and stronger local enforcement to prevent expansion of unlicensed facilities, and said the issue represented both public safety and a need for compassion for residents of the homes. She asked officials what the city is doing to acknowledge and prevent the spread of unlicensed sober living homes.

Mayor Genoway and other council members responded that they had received correspondence from neighbors about the issue and that staff and the council were reviewing the matter. The mayor noted there are legal parameters that govern enforcement and urged callers to report suspected crimes to 911 and the Orange County Sheriff's Department. City staff said they would follow up with the speaker and her neighbors.

Why it matters: Residents raised the issue as a public-safety and neighborhood-stability concern; council members emphasized there are legal limits to immediate council action and that enforcement involves coordination with county law enforcement and staff follow-up.","A Laguna Niguel resident and medical provider told the council she is concerned about unlicensed sober-living homes in parts of the city and asked for stricter enforcement and fines; the mayor and council acknowledged receipt of correspondence and said staff would follow up.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6586353,"Laguna Niguel council adopts consent item; staff outlines senior mobility program expansion",43,842000,885000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72&start=842&end=885","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534275-858ed5f273c0209423fb492d19f71c72/thumbnail_842000.jpg","/articles/6586353/Laguna-Niguel-City/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Niguel-council-adopts-consent-item-staff-outlines-senior-mobility-program-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586353-6c38a93be63677e0786e4cdc6a6feb60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207987&Signature=oY-uD5mZ~aBG056qjIbDG2STtCzcfXUdbpzGuekbEt2AaC4zRlglW8f5Dre68Lwnl9YXrXdAxUwqJan4XARGsmXaehLvY0EwBK0DPPTC0EAs7C~OeLx0POSK0LjEUcuakhuGT~2ZOMjOtDBtO4R~Q3hHwcZd7YeaWqBVRNEg90172~HaUPOkoMVLdkWuuwWTtCVF2r338N5ME5hFTtvC6D185RYA1Kl3EPEZeN7XbNRermpl0mevX6wZH38tV6lVNjEAFGXtYe8vNPUBfWpYdk~SHzDRGkUB7VG6wmhmJPlVc2R-xOuqOqhkRa91RAD~IR31YE3ebiARGEbODa0VUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Niguel City Council voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the balance of the consent calendar including Item 5, which council members pulled for discussion and staff comment. The motion to approve the balance of the consent calendar was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Jean Johns and seconded by Council Member Otto; the vote was recorded as unanimous.

City parks and recreation staff provided an overview of the city's senior transportation program, known as Senior Wheels, noting its funding, eligibility and recent ridership increases. Director Harmon said the service is supported by Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Measure M2 funds and is provided through a city contract (formerly with California Yellow Cab, now OCY Management). He described the service as round-trip transportation for Laguna Niguel residents age 60 and older who are unable to drive, for trips to the Sea Country Senior and Community Center, nonemergency medical appointments (including the VA in Long Beach) and other destinations within Laguna Niguel.

Director Harmon said applications can be obtained online or in person at the Sea Country Senior and Community Center and that staff will assist residents with the application process. Council Member Otto and Council Member Winstead praised staff for promoting the program, noting ridership increased from 117 to about 326 rides per month on average and that usage is trending upward this year.

Action details: the council approved the consent calendar balance and adopted Item 5 by voice vote (5-0). No amendments or conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes.

Why it matters: Council members said the program addresses mobility for older residents who cannot drive and that rising ridership suggests increased need for the city to monitor capacity and funding.

Members of the public who asked about the program were directed to contact Sea Country Senior and Community Center for applications and eligibility questions.","The Laguna Niguel City Council unanimously approved Item 5 on the consent calendar and councilmembers and staff described the city's senior transportation program (Senior Wheels), its funding source (OCTA Measure M2), eligibility, and recent ridership growth.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents ask council to address local hillside maintenance and an overgrown corner at Hahn Hill

Laguna Niguel, OC Parks plan town hall after fish die-off at Laguna Niguel Regional Park Lake

Local officials continue opposition to proposed battery facility; community college's benefit agreement draws criticism

Resident raises concerns about unlicensed sober-living homes; council says staff will follow up

Laguna Niguel council adopts consent item; staff outlines senior mobility program expansion