LAKE FOREST

Council OKs $1,500 for El Toro High Marching Band

The City Council last week gave $1,500 to the El Toro High School marching band, although some council members feared the decision would set a precedent.

The high school’s Royal Blue Regime Marching Band, which has won awards in local and state competitions, asked the city for $5,000 to help fund a trip to the Hawaii Invitational Band Tournament next year.

Councilwoman Ann Van Haun said the council “couldn’t justify spending $5,000.”

“It would be setting a precedent,” she said during a meeting last week. “We would have all the other groups coming to us for support.”

Councilwoman Helen Wilson preferred holding off on the request until city staff prepares the next fiscal budget.

“If we’re going to hear a request for funds, it should be during the budget process,” she said.

The council voted 3 to 2 to give the band the money.

Band supporters said the national exposure given bands at the Hawaii tournament would be good publicity for the city.

“More people see the Royal Blue Regime than will see all of our athletic teams combined,” said Jack Hollander, an El Toro High School instructor who organizes the marching band.

Councilman Tim Link said the council should give a hand to local groups like the Blue Regime that do good work.

“I’m looking at this as a special event for a special group,” he said. “They’re just asking for a little bit of help so they can do the positive things they do.”