Council Designates Area a Drug-Free Zone
At the request of a group of homeowners, the City Council this week declared a neighborhood a “drug-free zone.”
On a 3-1-1 vote, the council agreed to install signs on Via Lomas to try to deter drug and alcohol abuse in the community.
“I think we are very fortunate to have citizens willing to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety of their children,” said Councilwoman Melody Carruth.
A 1994 state law enables cities to declare drug-free zones that carry stiffer penalties for drug traffickers.
A petition had been submitted signed by 67 residents requesting the action. But council members were disappointed that none of the residents attended the meeting.
In addition, Sheriff’s Lt. Rex Hatch said there is no drug problem in the neighborhood, and state law already provides harsher penalties for drug dealing near schools. Laguna Hills High School is near Via Lomas.
Councilman Joel T. Lautenschleger said it does not matter that severe drug and alcohol problems do not already exist on Via Lomas.
“From a preventive standpoint, I think [the drug-free zone] is a good idea,” he said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
