Laguna Niguel’s Own Lost Coast?

As a resident of Laguna Niguel since 1984, I enjoyed reading your editorial May 16 on our city’s growth and celebration of 10 years of cityhood.

However, I take exception to your statement, “Aside from the unsuccessful battle to annex Monarch Beach and snatch tax revenue produced by a resort hotel there. . . .”

Long before cityhood was attained, the boundaries of Laguna Niguel stretched to the ocean, and the land that is now Monarch Beach was within those boundaries.

Going north along the coast, one would pass through Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, South Laguna and Laguna Beach.

As Dana Point prepared for its own cityhood, the land within the Laguna Niguel boundaries was desirable, as it now contained the Ritz-Carlton. Annexing this area would increase Dana Point’s tax base as well as add to its coastal land.

The Local Agency Formation Commission, with former Supervisor Thomas Riley at the forefront, put the matter to a vote.

Unfortunately, only residents along the coast and slightly inland were allowed to vote as to whether they wanted to be part of Dana Point or Laguna Niguel.

Based on the results, LAFCO annexed what had historically belonged to Laguna Niguel to Dana Point. Had all residents of Laguna Niguel been allowed to vote on this issue, we would no doubt still have our coast, and the Sea Country logo associated with the city would have a truer meaning.

JEANETTE FRATTO

Laguna Niguel