City Guide

LAGUNA BEACH

Mayor: Ann Christoph

Age: 48

Occupation: Landscape architect

First elected: November, 1990

Term expires: November, 1994

Key issues: Wants to encourage greater public participation in city affairs and make City Council meetings more meaningful to residents. Favors open space preservation and proper budget management. She also wants to prevent sewage spills and keep the ocean pollution-free. She favors efforts to preserve marine life.

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Councilwoman: Kathleen Blackburn

Age: 50

Occupation: Controller, Hobie Sunglasses Inc.

First elected: November, 1992

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Wants to focus on basic government issues such as public safety and infrastructure. She also wants to reduce city’s involvement in various lawsuits and legal conflicts. She wants to foster better communications between residents and city officials.

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Councilman: Robert F. Gentry

Age: 56

Occupation: Associate dean of students, UC Irvine

First elected: November, 1982

Term expires: November, 1994

Key issues: Considers himself an environmental preservationist. Wants to focus on air quality, ocean protection and open space preservation. Said the city should provide effective local government services. Favors equal rights for everyone. Favors efforts to preserve Laguna Beach’s distinctive neighborhoods. Wants to place controls on hillside development. Supports AIDS services programs.

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Councilwoman: Lida Lenney

Age: 61

Occupation: Retired school teacher

First elected: November, 1986

Term expires: November, 1994

Key issues: Wants to preserve Laguna Canyon in its natural state. Favors clean air and opposes offshore drilling. Seeks to maintain a village atmosphere in Laguna Beach. She wants to promote the welfare of senior citizens. Favors controlling hillside development and preserving distinctive Laguna Beach neighborhoods.

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Councilman: Wayne L. Peterson

Age: 54

Occupation: Property manager

First elected: November, 1992

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Wants to establish a sound financial basis for city. Seeks to minimize city’s involvement in various types of litigation. Opposes giving a disproportionate amount of influence to a selected group of residents. Rather, the city should ensure equal representation for every individual. He is leading a drive to construct an amphitheater at Thurston Middle School.

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Other Key Officials

City manager: Kenneth C. Frank

Age: 50

Length in office: 15 years

City attorney: Philip Kohn

Age: 41

Length in office: 12 years

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Police chief: Neil J. Purcell Jr.

Age: 54

Length in office: 12 years

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Fire chief: Richard Dewberry

Age: 49

Length in office: Nine years

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How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Tuesdays of the month, 6 p.m., at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.

Hours: City Hall is open to the public Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Telephone: (714) 497-3311

Fax: (714) 497-0771

Fast Facts

Flower: Geranium

Tree: Eucalyptus

Incorporated: June 29, 1927

Population: 24,000

Legislative districts: 47th Congressional; 35th Senate; 48th and 70th Assembly

Operating budget: $33.4 million

Number of employees: 210

Highest paid employee: City manager is paid $115,824 per year

Council perks: Members each receive $300 per month

RESEARCHED BY LESLIE EARNEST