LOS ALAMITOS : Citizens Will Aid in General Plan Update

The City Council has voted to form a citizens advisory committee to help update the city’s General Plan.

The plan was adopted in 1989 and is due for revision, according to state law.

The advisory committee will include representatives from the city’s residential and business communities and various local organizations.

“I think they can bring in their points of view and establish what their needs are, and we can use that in establishing a general plan that meets the needs not only for today but for the future of our city,” Councilwoman Alice B. Jempsa said at Monday’s meeting.

The council will seek names of citizens who are qualified to represent their organizations and are willing to serve on the board for a year or more.

The General Plan is required to comprise several elements, among them land use, housing, conservation, open space, recreation, noise and safety. Los Alamitos’ plan adds several optional elements, including urban design, economic development and growth management.

Council members said they will seek delegates from the Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission and the Traffic Commission.

Also, they hope to recruit advisers from Los Alamitos Unified School District, the Chamber of Commerce and several nonprofit groups, including Casa Youth Shelter and Precious Life, a crisis pregnancy center. They will also try to enlist the help of former council and commission members.