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Laguna Hills City Council convenes closed session over potential California Voting Rights Act claim; Council Member recuses
Summary
On Sept. 16, 2025, the Laguna Hills City Council met in closed session under Government Code section 54956.9 after receiving a written notice from the law offices of Michelle R. Jackson alleging a California Voting Rights Act violation; no reportable action was taken and Council Member Erica Paisled recused herself from the matter.
Laguna Hills City Council convened a special meeting on Sept. 16, 2025, and moved into closed session under Government Code section 54956.9 to consider anticipated litigation after receiving a written notice from the law offices of Michelle R. Jackson alleging a violation of the California Voting Rights Act.
City Attorney Simonian told the council the closed session authority as listed on the special meeting agenda, citing "significant exposure to litigation" and one potential case brought by the law offices of Michelle R. Jackson. "Conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9... receipt of written notices threatening litigation from the law offices of Michelle R. Jackson, alleging violation of the California Voting Rights Act," he said.
The council recessed into closed session shortly after the announcement. City Attorney Simonian later reported that the closed session, which began at 2:00 p.m., produced "no reportable action." No motions or votes concerning the matter were announced at the meeting.
Deputy City Clerk McDonald read a text message into the record that the clerk had received from Council Member Erica Paisled at 12:36 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2025. In the message Paisled wrote she was "recusing myself from participating in any deliberations, discussions, or votes related to this item on the agenda and potential legal matter" and cited her commitment to "impartiality, transparency, and ethical conduct." The message said the decision was based on "my family's personal relationship with an attorney" and that Paisled would not participate in any meetings, potential hearings, or actions related to the case.
Mayor Sweeney adjourned the special meeting and announced another special meeting to begin at 5:00 p.m. the same day. The council did not announce any next procedural steps for the alleged CVRA claim during the public portion of the meeting.
The matter will remain subject to any future public notices or agenda items in which the council or staff elect to disclose further information about the claim or any related actions.
