Laguna Hills : Cityhood to Be Debated at Several Gatherings

Laguna Hills residents will have four opportunities to hear arguments on the upcoming cityhood election on June 6.

The first event is a debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Laguna Hills High School theater, 25401 Paseo de Valencia.

Speaking in favor of incorporation will be Joel Lautenschleger, co-chairman of the Citizens to Save Laguna Hills and Doyle Seldon, representing Leisure World Residents for Laguna Hills. Taking the opposing side will be Joe Gepz of Laguna Hills and John Conway of Leisure World Residents Against Incorporation.

The proposed boundaries for the 6.5-square-mile city include Laguna Hills, developed areas of Aliso Viejo, Leisure World, Nellie Gail Ranch, the Laguna Hills Mall and Oakbrook Village. The estimated population for the proposed city would be 45,000, of which half would be Leisure World residents.

Residents voting for incorporation will also elect a 5-member City Council. Currently there are 15 candidates, including five from Leisure World.

On May 9, the Saddleback Valley Board of Realtors will sponsor a candidates’ night at 7:30 p.m. at the Board of Realtors office, 25552 La Paz Road.

The League of Women Voters and the Laguna Hills Community Assn. will co-sponsor another candidate night on at 7:30 p.m. May 18 at Laguna Hills High School.

There will also be a candidate forum for Leisure World residents at 7 p.m. May 31 in the main lounge of the clubhouse.

For information, call the league at (714) 951-7724.