Laguna Woods council approves introduction of updated emergency management ordinance

Laguna Woods City Manager Chris Macon presented proposed updates to the city's emergency management municipal code on March 18, telling the council the changes are primarily "cleanup and modernization" to ensure compliance with the California Emergency Services Act and to clarify powers and duties during emergencies. The council opened a public hearing, accepted comments and voted to approve introduction and first reading of the ordinance.

Macon outlined that the revisions are intended to make it easier for the city to declare local emergencies, issue emergency orders and request state or federal aid when needed. He noted that staff can proclaim a local emergency but the council must review and ratify any staff proclamation within seven days for it to remain in effect. When the council itself proclaims a local emergency, state law requires council review at least every 60 days to reconfirm the need.

During public comment, residents asked whether city resources could be used for road clearance and whether the city was coordinating with Laguna Woods Village (the gated community that holds most residents). Macon said the city can fund or subsidize response needs and that staff has already obtained the village's emergency‑operations plan to ensure the two plans dovetail.

Council member (speaker 6) moved to take the recommended action to open the hearing, receive testimony and approve introduction and first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 7.04 of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code; the motion was seconded and carried. Macon told the council staff expects to return in June with a draft updated emergency operations plan and later to provide council training on emergency responsibilities.

The council's action establishes the code changes as the legal framework for the upcoming emergency operations plan update; substantive operational practices and training are scheduled to follow.