LAGUNA NIGUEL : Recall Campaign at Halfway Point

Midway through a campaign to unseat four City Council members, the leader of the effort says about half the necessary signatures have been collected. At the same time, a separate attempt to recall the fifth council member was launched last weekend.

Mayor Patricia C. Bates and Councilmen James F. Krembas, Larry A. Porter and Thomas W. Wilson were all targeted for recall when they did not approve or place on the ballot a controversial ridgeline protection ordinance endorsed by more than 4,000 voters in a petition drive.

The council members made their 4-1 decision after being advised by city officials that the proposed ordinance could spawn lawsuits that would put the city at financial risk. Councilman Paul M. Christiansen, the dissenting member, was later served with a recall notice for “malfeasance.”

Since Nov. 3, proponents of the earlier effort have been gathering signatures at supermarkets and shopping centers, said recall proponent Eddie Rose. They must collect about 5,000 valid signatures on each petition by March 1 to force a recall election.

“I would estimate we’re past the halfway point and we’re still moving on,” Rose said. “It’s still going good.”

Meanwhile, Susan Penney said she did not begin collecting signatures in support of her effort to unseat Christiansen until Saturday. Penney, who has until mid-April to gather the signatures, said she will attempt to meet her goal without setting up supermarket stands.

“I’ve been doing this solo,” she said. “It’s a lot of signatures and I think you just have to network it.”