Foothill Ranch Centre Annexation Vote Set

The City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to annex the Foothill Ranch Towne Centre, a proposal strongly opposed by Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills residents who say it would scuttle efforts to form their own city.

The retail/entertainment center, now in an unincorporated area north of Lake Forest, currently generates about $2 million per year in taxes for the county. In order to form its own city, Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills would need that tax revenue to pay for services.

Civic leaders in the two unincorporated communities began collecting signatures for cityhood in June. They now have 1,000 of the approximately 3,500 signatures needed to apply for incorporation.

Helen Ward, director of Cityhood Now, called the annexation attempt a “hostile action” by the city of Lake Forest and plans to protest at Tuesday’s council meeting.

“They know that we’re very close to applying for incorporation,” said Sharon Hawkins, Foothill Ranch Civic Council vice president. “This piecemeal annexation is totally unacceptable.”

Robert C. Dunek, Lake Forest city manager, said the annexation is just a part of the city’s master plan and should not come as a surprise to anyone. Dunek noted that the shopping center is part of the city’s sphere of influence and that it makes sense for Lake Forest to annex it.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. The council chambers are at 23161 Lake Center Drive, Suite 100. Information: (949) 461-3400.