SOUTH COUNTY : Workshop to Feature Atty. Gen. Lungren

The top-ranked law enforcement officials in the state and the county will speak at a workshop Friday aimed at helping South County businesses deal with crime.

State Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren, Orange County Dist. Atty. Michael R. Capizzi and Sheriff Brad Gates will give an overview on the legal system to area business owners.

Sponsored by the South Orange County Chambers of Commerce, the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 25205 E. La Paz Road, Laguna Hills.

The cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

Along with high-ranking law enforcement officials, several prominent state and federal legislators will participate in panel discussions.

Near the end of the event, business and community leaders will form action groups to discuss what they have learned.

“We truly believe that government cannot solve all of the problems facing businesses in our communities,” said Kate Keena, the chamber executive director, “and business must consequently take responsibility in seeking solutions to these problems.”

Lungren will give the keynote address, while Gates will kick off the event.

Capizzi will moderate a criminal justice panel during the morning session.

The criminal justice workshop will follow actual case studies from arrest through prosecution, sentencing and probation.

Pamela Iles, presiding judge of Laguna Niguel Municipal Court, will join the criminal justice panel.

A legislative workshop will feature several area legislators, including Assemblyman Bill Morrow (R-Oceanside), U.S. Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Newport Beach), Assemblyman Mickey Conroy (R-Orange) and Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove), as well as other political figures.