Laguna Hills City Council
February 25, 2025

City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - 6:00 PM
(Closed Session at 5:00 p.m. when scheduled)
City Council Chamber
24035 El Toro Road
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Joshua Sweeney
Mayor
Don Caskey
Mayor Pro Tempore
Jared Mathis
Council Member
Erica Pezold
Council Member
Dave Wheeler
Council Member
In Person Public Comments: Any person wishing to address the City Council/Planning Agency on any matter, whether or not it appears on this Agenda, is asked to complete a pink “Request to Speak” form available on the table at the back of the Chamber and submit the form to the City Clerk. The Request to Speak form assists the Mayor in ensuring that all persons wishing to address the City Council are recognized and ensures accurate identification of meeting participants in the City Council/Planning Agency Minutes. Completion of the form is voluntary. It is City policy to limit public testimony to up to three minutes per person, as determined by the Mayor, and a total time limit of one hour for Public Comments. If you are commenting on an Agenda item, your comments will be heard at the time that item is scheduled on the Agenda. If you are addressing the City Council on an item not listed on the Agenda, the City Council is prohibited by law from discussing or taking any action on that item.

Submission of Electronic Public Comments: Those wishing to make electronic public comments may submit their comments by email to the City Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

In the subject line of the email, please state your name and the item number you are commenting on. Any public comment received that does not specify a particular agenda item number will be announced during the general public comment portion of the agenda. All comments received by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting will be provided to the City Council and will be provided for public inspection at the meeting. During the applicable agenda item, the City Clerk will announce the name of the sender and subject matter of all electronic comments received by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Email comments will NOT be read by the City Clerk during the meeting.

Electronic public comments may only be submitted via email and comments via text and social media (Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), etc.) will not be accepted.

For questions or assistance, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 707-2635 or via email.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
2 Closed Session - Convening at 5:00 PM
Call to Order
Resolution No. 96-04-09-1 established rules of decorum for public meetings held by the City of Laguna Hills. Resolution No. 96-04-09-1 is available on the table at the back of the City Council Chamber.

Roll Call of City Council Members
Announcement of Closed Session Item(s)
The City Council will convene into Closed Session, in the City Council Conference Room, City Hall, Laguna Hills Civic Center, to consider the following matter(s):

A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Government Code Section 54956.9: (1 potential case).

Public Comments
Members of the public may address the City Council only on closed session items listed on this Agenda. Public Comments are limited to three minutes per person as determined by the Mayor and a total time limit of thirty minutes.

Adjourn to City Council Conference Room or City Council Chamber Convene into Closed Session
The City Council will convene into Closed Session to consider the matter(s) listed above.

Reconvene to City Council Chamber
Recess

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
3 General Business Convening at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
Resolution No. 96-04-09-1 established rules of decorum for public meetings held by the City of Laguna Hills. Resolution No. 96-04-09-1 is available on the table at the back of the City Council Chamber.

Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Wheeler
Roll Call of City Council Members
Closed Session Report
City Attorney to announce whether any reportable action was taken on any matters considered during Closed Session.

1. Presentations and Proclamations

1.1 Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Report
Recommendation: That the City Council receive a report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Kyden Brown.

1.2 Proclamation for American Red Cross Month
Recommendation: That the City Council issue a Proclamation declaring March 2025 as "American Red Cross Month" and that Mayor Sweeney present the Proclamation to American Red Cross Southern California Orange County Representative Ross Chun.

1.3 2024 Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year
Recommendation: That Mayor Sweeney present a Certificate of Recognition to Deputy Michael Rodriguez, the 2024 Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year.

1.4 Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce Report on Business Retention and Attraction Services
Recommendation: That the City Council receive a presentation from the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce on recent business retention and attraction services.

2. Schedule of Future Events

2.1 Schedule of Future Events
Recommendation: That the Deputy City Clerk announce the upcoming meetings and events.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
4 3. Public Comments
This is the time to address the City Council on any matter not listed on this Agenda that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. Public Comments are limited to three minutes per person as determined by the Mayor and a total time limit of thirty minutes.

4. Consent Calendar
All matters listed under “CONSENT CALENDAR” are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion approving the recommendation listed on the Agenda. There will be no separate discussion unless Members of the City Council or City staff request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar.

4.1 Waive Reading in Full of all Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda Recommendation: That the City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

4.2 Approval of Minutes for February 11, 2025, Regular Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the February 11, 2025, Regular Meeting.

4.3 Ratification of February 25, 2025 Warrant Register
Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from January 31, 2025, to February 13, 2025, in the amount of $1,179,456.46.

4.4 Treasurer's Investment Report for January 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report for the month of January 2025.

4.5 Second Reading and Adoption of Introduced Ordinance Relating to Unlawful Use of the Official City Seal
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Adopt an Ordinance entitled: "An Ordinance of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Amending and Restating Chapter 1-12 (Official City Seal) of Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code and Adding New Section 1-12.020 (Unlawful Use of Official City Seal) Making Unauthorized Use of the Official City Seal Unlawful."

4.6 Resolution Opposing SCAQMD Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Opposing SCAQMD Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121."

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
5 4.7 City of Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills Adopting the Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.”

4.8 Proposed T-Ball Infield Installation at Costeau Park Recommendation: That the City Council direct the Public Works Director to install an infield at the existing backstop area at Costeau Park for “T-Ball” play.

4.9 Laguna Hills Civic Center Termite Fumigation
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Find and determine it is appropriate to waive formal bidding requirements of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (LHMC) for the award of termite fumigation services due to the following reasons: a) No bids or proposals were received through the formal bid process (LHMC Section 3-

08.090(G)); b) A reasonable attempt has been made to obtain informal bids or proposals; and c) It has been determined by the Purchasing Officer that three bids or proposals cannot be obtained (LHMC Section 3-08.110(C)); 2) Approve and award the Work Order Agreement with Western Exterminator Company; and 3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Work Order Agreement.

4.10 Development Application Status Report
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report.

Items Removed from the Consent Calendar

5. Planning Agency
The Planning Agency is called to order only if there are items scheduled to be presented to the Planning Agency.

6. City Council Public Hearings

7. Administrative Reports

7.1 City Manager

8. Matters Agendized and Presented by City Council Members

9. City Council Member Committee Reports

9.1 Committee Assignment Reports
Recommendation: That the City Council receive reports from City Council Members on the City Council Committee Assignments listed in the staff report.

10. City Council Member Comments

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6 Adjournment
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council/Planning Agency will be March 11, 2025, at 6:00p.m., in the City Council Chamber, located at 24035 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills, California.

CERTIFICATION
I, JENNIFER LEE, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Agenda was posted at Laguna Hills City Hall, Laguna Hills Community Center, and the Courtyard at La Paz Center by February 21, 2025, at 5:00p.m.

It is the intention of the City of Laguna Hills to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act in all respects. If as an attendee or a participant at this meeting you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City of Laguna Hills will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the office of the City Clerk at (949) 707 2635. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.

Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office at 24035 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills, California, during normal business hours. In addition, such writings or documents will be made available for public review on the City’s website at: https://www.lagunahillsca.gov/supplementalagenda and at the respective public meeting.

City Council Members receive no additional compensation or stipend as a result of simultaneously convening meetings of the Laguna Hills Planning Agency.

Item No. 1.2
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
Issue: Proclamation for American Red Cross Month
Recommendation: That the City Council issue a Proclamation declaring March 2025 as "American Red Cross Month" and that Mayor Sweeney present the Proclamation to American Red Cross Southern California Orange County Representative Ross Chun.

Background:

March is annually recognized nationally as “American Red Cross Month”. Staff is recommending that the City Council issue the Proclamation to be presented to American Red Cross Orange County Representative Ross Chun at the February 25, 2025, City Council meeting.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no fiscal impact associated with the issuance of the Proclamation.

Attachments:

1. Proclamation -American Red Cross Month

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS

PROCLAMATION

AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
MARCH2025
WHEREAS, during American Red Cross Month in March, we recognize th compassion of people in Orange County and reaffirm our commitment to care for one another in time of crisis.

WHEREAS, this generous spirit is woven into the fabric of our community and advances the humanitarian legacy of American Red Cross founder Clara Bartonone of the most honored woman in our country's history-who nobly dedicated herself to alleviating suffering.

WHEREAS, today, kindhearted individuals in our community exemplify Barton's commitment as they step up through the American Red Cross of Orange County to provide a beacon of hope for out neighbors in need. Through their voluntary and selfless contributions, they make a lifesaving difference in people's darkest hourswhether its delivering shelter, food and comfort during disasters; providing critical tlood donations for hospital patients; supporting military families, veterans and caregivers through the unique challenges of service; saving lives with first aid, CPR and other skills; or delivering aid and reconnecting loved ones separated by global crisis.

WHEREAS, we hereby recognize this month of March' in honor of all those who lead with their hearts to serve people in need, and we ask .everyone to join in this commitment to strengthen our community. ·
NOW, THEREFORE, I, [oshua Sweeney, Mayor, on behalf of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2025, as "American Red Cross Month" and encourage all residents of Laguna Hills to reach out and support its humanitarian mission.

Dated this 25
th day of February 2025.

JOSHUA SWEENEY, MAYOR

Item No. 1.3
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Bill Burk, Cheif of Police Services
Issue: 2024 Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year
Recommendation: That Mayor Sweeney present a Certificate of Recognition to Deputy Michael Rodriguez, the 2024 Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year.

Background:

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department - Laguna Hills Police Services is to be considered among the best and most professional law enforcement departments in the state. At the end of each year, Laguna Hills deputies and sergeants vote on Deputy of the Year. This selection is based off exemplary performance, team cohesiveness and dedication to the community of Laguna Hills. To be selected as Deputy of the Year is an honor and a huge accomplishment. Deputy Michael Rodriguez is the 2024 Deputy of the Year.

Michael graduated from the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy in July of 2013. He began his patrol career with the City of Laguna Hills in November 2017. Michael was quickly recognized as a hard worker.

One of the most important assignments in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is that of a Field Training Officer. Because of Michael’s job knowledge, he was selected early in his patrol career to train and evaluate new patrol deputies.

Michael was selected as a Homeless Liaison Officer. Michael employed the Sheriff’s two-pronged approach to addressing homelessness, outreach and enforcement.

Michael offered available services to everyone he contacted, but also enforced laws as appropriate in an effort to maintain the quality of life for our Laguna Hills community.

Item No. 1.3
Michael was also assigned as a Motorcycle Deputy, where he diligently enforced traffic in the City of Laguna Hills. His work kept aggressive drivers accountable and his visibility deterred bad behavior. Michael's presence and visibility prevented countless traffic collisions.

Recently, Michael has been assigned as a Master Field Training Officer. The department has only a handful of Master Field Training Officers and there is a rigorous selection process. A Field Training Officer must be reputable, demonstrate courageous leadership and superior knowledge of our policies and practices to be considered as a Master Field Training Officer. Michael excels at these qualities and was given a stripe on his uniform, indicating his status as a Master Field Training Officer.

Because of his commitment to proactive policing and his strong work ethic, Michael was chosen as a member of the Select Enforcement Team (SET). This team consists of two deputies who are not assigned calls from dispatch, so they have the time to proactively seek out the criminal element within our community.

Michael has been very successful in the SET detail, locating drunk drivers and making several arrests for a variety of violations, including gang crimes, weapons and narcotics violations. In 2024, Michael made 108 arrests and wrote many criminal citations. The work he does on this team helps maintain the excellent quality of life the residents of Laguna Hills have come to know. Michael is a member of the Critical Incident Response Team and a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team.

Michael is strongly committed to the City of Laguna Hills. He can always be counted on to step up for city events or anything the city or our department needs to keep our community safe. He’s sacrificed his own comfort and schedule on many occasions for the benefit of our community. Michael is worthy of recognition and is well deserving of this award.

Deputy Michael Rodriguez, congratulations on a job well done. It gives me great pleasure to present you with the 2024 Deputy of the Year award.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.

Attachments:

1. Certificate of Recognition - 2024 Deputy of the Year

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Deputy Sheriff
City of Laguna Hills
2024 Deputy of the Year
Orange County Sheriff's Department
WHEREAS, Deputy Michael Rodriguez has faithfully, professionally, and diligently served as a Deputy Sheriff for the City of Laguna Hills since November, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Rodriguez has performed in an exemplary manner, expanding his knowledge and expertise by earning the designations of Motorcycle Deputy, Homeless Liaison Officer, Field Training Officer, Master Field Training Officer, Special Enforcement Team member, Critical Incident Response Team member, and a Member of the Crisis Negotiation Team; and WHEREAS, Deputy Rodriguez has fostered a strong partnership between the Orange County Sheriffs Department, the City of Laguna Hills, and the Community; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Rodriguez was ovenvhelmingly selected by his peers and supervisors to be recognized for his dedication to duty by being named the 2024 Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joshua Sweeney, Mayor, on behalf of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, do hereby recognize, commend, and thank Deputy Michael Rodriguez for his distinguished and dedicated service to the City of Laguna Hills and urge all Laguna Hills citizens to join the City in this expression of our appreciation for his dedication to duty.

Dated this 25th day of February 2025.

JOSHUA SWEE' ,MAYOR

Item No. 2.1
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Kayle McDonald, Deputy City Clerk
Issue: Schedule of Future Events
Recommendation: That the Deputy City Clerk announce the upcoming meetings and events.

Meetings:

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meetings
Tuesday, March 11, 6:00 p.m., Laguna Hills Civic Center Council Chamber Tuesday, March 25, 6:00 p.m., Laguna Hills Civic Center Council Chamber Events, Communication, Beautification Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 12, 11:00 a.m., Laguna Hills Civic Center/Admin Conference Room Traffic Commission Meeting
Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 p.m., Laguna Hills Civic Center Council Chamber Events:

Excursion to Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County & Griffith Observatory (pre-registration required, $30 residents; $35 non-residents) Friday, March 7, 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., meet at Laguna Hills Community Center Attachments:

1. Event Flyer(s)

Come visit and explore the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) is a hub for science, culture, nature and visitor-friendly amenities. Next, visit one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and scenic landmarks. Tour the Observatory exhibits on your own and enjoy the sunset. Bring a sack lunch and picnic on the grass in front of the museum or purchase from onsite concessions. Participants meet at the Laguna Hills Community Center where City staff will provide transportation. Call (949) 707-2680 for more information. No refunds or transfers for this event.
*Registration begins February 11, 2025 Class# 1577
3/7 2:00PM-10:00PM Friday
Fee: Resident $30, Non-Resident $35
Like us on at www.facebook.com/lagunahillscc
To register or for more information, please call (949) 707-2680 or visit www.lagunahillsca.gov

City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
General Business Convening at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Sweeney.

Roll Call of City Council Members

Present:

Mayor Joshua Sweeney
Council Member Erica Pezold
Council Member Jared Mathis
Council Member Dave Wheeler

Absent:

Mayor Pro Tempore Don Caskey
Invocation: Council Member Wheeler
Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Pezold

1. Presentations and Proclamations

1.1 Appointment of Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Parsa Kaveh Mayor Sweeney presented a Certificate of Appointment to Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Parsa Kaveh.

1.2 Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Report
The City Council received a report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Parsa Kaveh.

1.3 Presentation by the City of Mission Viejo on Homeless Outreach The City Council received an update from Community Services Manager Andrew Fine, Community Outreach Supervisor Carol Sullivan, and Community Outreach Specialist Cassandra Heaslet on the City of Mission Viejo's homeless outreach efforts in the City of Laguna Hills.

2. Schedule of Future Events

2.1 Schedule of Future Events
Deputy City Clerk McDonald announced the upcoming meetings and events.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
2 3. Public Comments
The following individual(s) provided public comments on non-agendized items:

Zachary McKinley, Laguna Hills resident
Noa Tuliau, representative from Supervisor Foley's office

4. Consent Calendar
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Wheeler.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None

4.1 Waive Reading in Full of all Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda Recommendation: That the City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

4.2 Approval of Minutes for January 28, 2025, Special Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the January 28, 2025, Special Meeting.

4.3 Approval of Minutes for January 28, 2025, Regular Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the January 28, 2025, Regular Meeting.

4.4 Approval of Minutes for February 4, 2025, Special Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the February 4, 2025, Special Meeting.

4.5 Ratification of February 11, 2025 Warrant Register
Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from January 17, 2025, to January 30, 2025, in the amount of $215,337.89.

4.6 2024 Community Services Department Report
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
3 4.7 Notice of Completion and Final Payment for the Community Center Carpeting Replacement Project, CIP No. 513-B
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Certify the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; 2) Authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion; 3) Authorize the recording of the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange and to release the faithful performance and payment bonds one year and 35 days, respectively, after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion contingent upon no claims or liens being filed with the City; and 4) Authorize payment of the final retention 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion in the net amount of $2,481.54, if no liens have been filed.

4.8 Resolution Adopting Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual Chapter 10:

Consultant Selection
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills Adopting Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual Chapter 10: Consultant Selection.”
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar
There were no items removed from the Consent Calendar.

5. Planning Agency
There were no separate Planning Agency Business Items for this meeting.

Public Improvement Corporation
Mayor Sweeney recessed the City Council Meeting at 6:36 p.m. and convened the Public Improvement Corporation (PIC) Meeting. Mayor Sweeney reconvened the City Council Meeting at 6:38 p.m. All Council Members were present in Chamber with the exception of Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey who was absent.

6. City Council Public Hearings
There were no City Council public hearings.

7. Administrative Reports

7.1 City Manager
The City Manager provided no administrative reports.

7.2 Finance Director

7.2.1 Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) for City Employees

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
4 Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide direction regarding City-funded healthcare flexible spending arrangements for City employees.

Finance Director Hendrickson reviewed the information provided in the staff report and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

City Manager Hildenbrand responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

A motion to table the item for budget discussion at a future meeting. was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

A substitute motion to provide the maximum amount as a monthly payment to employees was moved by Council Member Pezold, no second was made.

Mayor Sweeney called for a roll call vote on the main motion.

A motion to table the item for budget discussion at a future meeting, was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None

7.3 City Clerk

7.3.1 Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Relating to the Unlawful Use of the Official City Seal
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance entitled: "An Ordinance of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Amending and Restating Chapter 1-12 (Official City Seal) of Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code and Adding New Section 1-12.020 (Unlawful Use of Official City Seal) Making Unauthorized Use of the Official City Seal Unlawful."

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
5 City Clerk Lee reviewed the information provided in the staff report.

City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None

7.3.2 City Council Representatives to Other Boards, Committees, and Agencies Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions:
1) Review the City of Laguna Hills City Council Representatives to Other Boards, Committees, and Agencies List, provide directions to staff regarding any necessary changes for appointments to the list, and by motion, approve the City Council Representatives to Other Committees/Agencies List, as revised by the City Council; and
2) Approve and direct the City Clerk to prepare and post an updated FPPC Disclosure Form 806 to reflect all paid city representative appointments to outside agency boards, committees, and/or commissions in accordance with state law.

City Clerk Lee reviewed the information provided in the staff report.

City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

A motion to dissolve the Aquatic Center/Pool Facility Ad Hoc Committee was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 3, No 1, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: Council Member Pezold
Abstain: None

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
6 A motion to appoint Council Member Mathis to the 3/5 Memorial Ad Hoc Committee was moved by Mayor Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 3, No 1, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: Council Member Pezold
Abstain: None
A motion to retain the current League of Cal Cities Annual Business Meeting delegate and alternate was moved by Mayor Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 3, No 0, Abstained 1
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: Council Member Erica Pezold
A motion to retain the current Southern California Association of Governments Annual General Assembly Meeting representative and alternate was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None

8. Matters Agendized and Presented by City Council Members

8.1 Mayor Sweeney

8.1.1 Membership in the United States Conference of Mayors Recommendation: Mayor Sweeney recommends that the City Council direct staff to submit an application for membership in the United States Conference of Mayors.

Mayor Sweeney provided information on the item.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
7 The following individual(s) provided public comments on Item No. 8.1.1.:

Scott Miller, Traffic Commissioner
A motion to continue the item to a future meeting was moved by Mayor Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 3, No 1, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: Council Member Pezold
Abstain: None

8.2 Council Members Mathis and Pezold

8.2.1 Discussion on SCAQMD Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 Recommendation: Council Member Mathis and Council Member Pezold recommend that the City Council review and discuss the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121, and, if deemed appropriate, direct staff to draft a resolution or comment letter expressing opposition.

Council Member Pezold provided information on the item.

City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

A motion to direct staff to draft a comment letter in opposition to be signed by the Mayor and draft a resolution in opposition to be approved at the next regular meeting was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None

9. City Council Member Committee Reports

9.1 Committee Assignment Reports
There are no recent meetings for Council Members to provide a report on.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
8 10. City Council Member Comments
Council Member Wheeler
Council Member Wheeler requested a discussion on adoption of Robert's or Rosenberg's Rules of Order be agendized for a future meeting and received a second from Mayor Sweeney.

Council Member Mathis
Council Member Mathis indicated his support of Council Member Wheeler's discussion request.

Mayor Sweeney
Mayor Sweeney reported on the recent Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce 10th Anniversary Gala.

Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold requested a discussion on providing awards and recognition to Laguna Hills businesses from the City Council be agendized for a future meeting and received a second from Mayor Sweeney.

Adjournment
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Sweeney declared the meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
____________________________________
Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Approved at meeting of February 25, 2025.

Item No. 4.3
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Eric Hendrickson, Finance Director
Issue: Ratification of February 25, 2025 Warrant Register Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from January 31, 2025, to February 13, 2025, in the amount of $1,179,456.46.

Background:

The City issues accounts payable disbursements on a regular basis and presents it to the City Council for ratification at its next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting. The attached Warrant Register containing checks and electronic funds transfers for the period from January 31, 2025, to February 13, 2025, is being presented for ratification by the City Council. Payments have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate departmental staff. The Finance Director certifies to the accuracy of the attached register and to the availability of monies for payment thereof.

Fiscal Impact:

Ratification of the accompanying Warrant Register includes disbursements totaling $1,179,456.46.

Attachments:

1. Warrant Register - February 25, 2025

2. Payables Detail Report - February 25, 2025

Total Regular: 225,957.66
2/18/2025 1:20:32 PM Page 1 of 3
4757 R-1801 WOODRUFF & SMART, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION 02/07/2025 28,282.82 4758 W-2452 WSP USA ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE INC 02/07/2025 4,699.48 4755 U-2165 UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT OF SO CALIFORNIA 02/07/2025 136.95 4756 W-2337 WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC. 02/07/2025 6,170.50 4753 T-2712 TOTAL SOURCE OFFICEWORKS 02/07/2025 99.94
4754 T-2698 TPX COMMUNICATIONS 02/07/2025 747.85
4751 S-2299 SPECIALTY MOWING SERVICES, INC. 02/07/2025 2,200.00 4752 Z-CS-0499 THE SPEAKERS CORNER 02/07/2025 500.00
4749 Z-CS-0492 SAEED GHAFFARI 02/07/2025 500.00
4750 S-2319 SCA OF CA, LLC 02/07/2025 16,632.20
4747 Q-1716 QUADIENT LEASING USA, INC. 02/07/2025 530.22 4748 R-1977 RJ ELECTRIC 02/07/2025 1,625.00
4745 M-1606 MTM YEE CORP 02/07/2025 400.00
4746 O-1546 OFFICE SOLUTIONS 02/07/2025 223.38
4743 M-1500 MCKINLEY ELEVATOR CORPORATION 02/07/2025 375.00 4744 M-1388 MOBILE MINI, INC. 02/07/2025 300.77
4741 K-1202 KUSTOM IMPRINTS 02/07/2025 2,277.62
4742 L-1393 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES, ORANGE COUNTY DIVISION 02/07/2025 15,098.00 4739 G-0847 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 02/07/2025 16,376.00 4740 J-1057 JAMEY CLARK, INC. 02/07/2025 3,708.88
4737 E-0504 EL TORO WATER DISTRICT 02/07/2025 15,063.67 4738 E-0614 EMPIRE PARKING LOT SERVICES, LLC 02/07/2025 77,111.00 4735 **Void** 02/07/2025 -
4736 D-0561 DOCU-TRUST 02/07/2025 115.00
4733 Z-CD-0501 DARYN FRAZIER 02/07/2025 500.00
4734 D-0583 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC 02/07/2025 7,962.07 4731 C-1190 COUNTY OF ORANGE 02/07/2025 913.00
4732 C-1122 CROSSTOWN ELECTRICAL AND DATA, INC. 02/07/2025 3,644.70 4729 C-1024 CHRISTOPHERSON FIRE PROTECTION 02/07/2025 329.40 4730 Z-CS-0498 CONNIE GUTIERREZ 02/07/2025 500.00
4727 B-0458 BRIGHTVIEW LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC 02/07/2025 17,321.28 4728 Z-CD-0398 CARE FOR THE CHILDREN 02/07/2025 506.32
4725 B-0438 BC TRAFFIC SPECIALIST 02/07/2025 170.08
4726 B-0304 BEE MAN, THE 02/07/2025 395.00
4723 Z-PS-0046 ALEX HOUSE 02/07/2025 10.00
4724 A-0365 AT AND T - CALNET 3 02/07/2025 31.53
Payment Type: Regular
4722 Z-CD-0213 ALDERETE POOLS INC 02/07/2025 500.00
Warrant Register - February 25, 2025
City of Laguna Hills, CA By Check Number
Date Range: 01/31/2025 - 02/13/2025
Check Number Vendor Number Vendor Name Payment Date Payment Amount

65 39 0.00 1,179,456.46
2/18/2025 1:20:32 PM Page 2 of 3
Bank Drafts 2 2 0.00 953,498.80
EFT's 0 0 0.00 0.00
Manual Checks 0 0 0.00 0.00
Voided Checks 0 1 0.00 0.00
Total Bank Draft: 953,498.80
Bank Code 1 - General Summary
Payable
Count
Payment
Payment Type Count Discount Payment
Regular Checks 63 36 0.00 225,957.66
Payment Type: Bank Draft
DFT0003044 C-1007 OCSD LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTRACT, OC TREASURER-TAX COLLECTOR 02/06/2025 946,274.80 DFT0003053 H-0966 HIGH LEVEL SECURITY SOLUTIONS, INC. 02/13/2025 7,224.00 Warrant Register - February 25, 2025 Date Range: 01/31/2025 - 02/13/2025 Check Number Vendor Number Vendor Name Payment Date Payment Amount

998 Pooled Cash & Investments 2/2025 1,179,456.46
1,179,456.46
2/18/2025 1:20:32 PM Page 3 of 3
65 40 0.00 1,179,456.46
Fund Summary
Fund Name Period Amount
Bank Drafts 2 2 0.00 953,498.80
EFT's 0 0 0.00 0.00
Manual Checks 0 0 0.00 0.00
Voided Checks 0 1 0.00 0.00
All Bank Codes Check Summary
Payable
Count
Payment
Payment Type Count Discount Payment
Regular Checks 63 36 0.00 225,957.66
Warrant Register - February 25, 2025 Date Range: 01/31/2025 - 02/13/2025

Amount
02/07/2025 OFFICE SOLUTIONS I-02287397 Operating Supplies, Feb '25 100-195-622000 223.38 2/18/2025 1:27:01 PM Page 1 of 4
02/07/2025 MCKINLEY ELEVATOR CORPORATION A184427-IN Stage Wheelchair Lift Maintenance, Jan '25
100-310-645500 375.00
02/07/2025 CARE FOR THE CHILDREN ENC-10-24-0124 Refund, Encroachment Deposit, REC013841-2024100-000-220444 506.32 02/07/2025 MOBILE MINI, INC. 9022924100 Storage Rental, Community Center, 1/22/25-2/18/25
100-310-641000 217.80
02/07/2025 BRIGHTVIEW LANDSCAPE SERVICES,
INC
9202495 Baseball Field Maintenance, Jan '25 100-355-720700 17,321.28 02/07/2025 THE SPEAKERS CORNER 82178667 Refund, Facility Deposit, R #74972010 100-000-222000 500.00 02/07/2025 MOBILE MINI, INC. 9022914097 Storage Rental, Community Center, 1/21/25-2/17/25
100-310-641000 82.97
02/07/2025 WOODRUFF & SMART, A

PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
77419 Prof Services, Legal, Dec '24, USE0147-2023100-000-223000 668.80 02/07/2025 CONNIE GUTIERREZ 82115745 Refund, Facility Deposit, R #80356155 100-000-222000 500.00 02/07/2025 WOODRUFF & SMART, A

PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
77418 Professional Services, Legal, Dec '24 100-155-700010 24,012.77 02/07/2025 WOODRUFF & SMART, A

PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
77418 Professional Services, Legal, Dec '24 100-155-700011 3,601.25 02/07/2025 JAMEY CLARK, INC. 75952 Graffiti Removal, Public Works, Jan 100-355-720500 558.00 02/07/2025 JAMEY CLARK, INC. 75961 Park Repairs, Public Works, Jan '25 100-355-720701 286.50 02/07/2025 JAMEY CLARK, INC. 75905 Graffiti Removal, Public Works, Jan 100-355-720500 1,302.00 02/07/2025 JAMEY CLARK, INC. 75906 Graffiti Removal, Public Works, Jan 100-355-720500 798.38 02/07/2025 SAEED GHAFFARI 75326413 Refund, Facility Deposit, R #1035693.002
100-000-222000 500.00
02/07/2025 JAMEY CLARK, INC. 75890 Park Repairs, Public Works, Jan '25 100-355-720701 764.00 02/07/2025 KUSTOM IMPRINTS 50644 City Apparel, Jan '25 100-195-622000 2,277.62 02/07/2025 RJ ELECTRIC 63525 Electric Repairs, Jan '25 100-355-720701 1,625.00 02/07/2025 WSP USA ENVIRONMENT AND

INFRASTRUCTURE INC
40139413 Professional Services, NPDES Support,
Dec '24
100-355-700000 4,699.48
02/07/2025 CROSSTOWN ELECTRICAL AND DATA,
INC.
4296-25-001 Traffic Signal Maintenance, Jan '25 100-356-720420 3,644.70 02/07/2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES,

ORANGE COUNTY DIVISION
2303 OC Division Membership Dues,
1/1/25 - 6/30/25
100-155-610001 150.00
02/07/2025 TOTAL SOURCE OFFICEWORKS 38099 Operating Supplies, Jan '25 100-195-622000 99.94 02/07/2025 WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC. 224337 Tree Trimming Services, 1/1/25 - 1/15/25
100-355-720702 6,170.50
02/07/2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES,

ORANGE COUNTY DIVISION
2303 OC Division Membership Dues,
7/1/25 - 12/31/25
100-000-140000 150.00
02/07/2025 SPECIALTY MOWING SERVICES, INC. 1807 Weed Abatement, Jan '25 100-355-720730 2,200.00 02/07/2025 TPX COMMUNICATIONS 184020071-0 Communications Expense, 1/23/25 - 2/22/25
100-195-630000 747.85
02/07/2025 EMPIRE PARKING LOT SERVICES, LLC 13166 Cabot Park, Asphalt Grind & Tree Root Removal
100-355-720401 59,976.00
02/07/2025 BEE MAN, THE 133106 Bee Removal, Public Works, Jan '25 100-355-720701 395.00 02/07/2025 CHRISTOPHERSON FIRE PROTECTION 12462101 Fire Extinguisher Inspection, Jan '25 100-310-645500 329.40 02/07/2025 EMPIRE PARKING LOT SERVICES, LLC 13165 Seal Coat & Stripe, CIP #513 100-000-790600 17,135.00 02/07/2025 BC TRAFFIC SPECIALIST 067751 Traffic Signs, Jan '25 100-355-720401 170.08 02/07/2025 MTM YEE CORP 10689 Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance Ad, Feb '25
100-310-624500 400.00
02/07/2025 DOCU-TRUST 0055132 Offsite Data Storage, Feb '25 100-155-700030 115.00 02/07/2025 EL TORO WATER DISTRICT 020525 Water Usage, Public Works, Dec '24 100-355-635000 15,063.67 Fund: 100 - General Fund
02/06/2025 OCSD LAW ENFORCEMENT

CONTRACT, OC TREASURER-TAX
SH 70698 Law Enforcement Services, Feb '25 100-420-720800 946,274.80 02/07/2025 AT AND T - CALNET 3 000022845775 Traffic Signal, 12/6/24 - 1/5/25 100-356-630000 31.53 Payables Detail Report
City of Laguna Hills, CA By Fund
Payment Dates 01/31/2025 - 02/13/2025
Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) Account Number

Amount
2/18/2025 1:27:01 PM Page 2 of 4
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67140 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #109, Nov '24
600-251-950109 1,248.37
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67380 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #104, Dec '24
600-000-490210 (6,939.63)
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67140 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #109, Nov '24
600-000-490210 (1,248.37)
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67140 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #104, Nov '24
600-251-950104 1,248.38
02/07/2025 EMPIRE PARKING LOT SERVICES, LLC 13165 Seal Coat & Stripe, CIP #513 600-255-950513 17,135.00 02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67140 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #104, Nov '24
600-000-490210 (1,248.38)
Fund 212 - Measure M2 Fund Total: 16,769.15
Fund: 600 - Capital Improvement Projects Fund
02/07/2025 EMPIRE PARKING LOT SERVICES, LLC 13165 Seal Coat & Stripe, CIP #513 600-000-490100 (17,135.00) 02/07/2025 SCA OF CA, LLC 136742SP Street Sweeping Services, Jan '25 212-355-720410 16,632.20 02/07/2025 UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT OF

SO CALIFORNIA
24-252469 Street Maintenance, Jan '25 212-355-720400 38.15 Fund 210 - Gas Tax (HUTA) Fund Total: 16,376.00
Fund: 212 - Measure M2 Fund
02/07/2025 UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT OF

SO CALIFORNIA
120250388 Street Maintenance, Jan '25 212-355-720400 98.80 02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67380 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #109, Dec '24
210-000-790600 6,939.62
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67380 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #104, Dec '24
210-000-790600 6,939.63
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67140 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #104, Nov '24
210-000-790600 1,248.38
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67140 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #109, Nov '24
210-000-790600 1,248.37
02/13/2025 HIGH LEVEL SECURITY SOLUTIONS,
INC.
5889 Private Security Patrol, 1/27/25 -
2/9/25
100-420-720850 7,224.00
Fund 100 - General Fund Total: 1,146,311.31
Fund: 210 - Gas Tax (HUTA) Fund
02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001576 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 110.30 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001577 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 152.97 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001574 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 176.83 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001575 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 250.79 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001572 Landscape Services, Dec '24 100-355-720700 3,000.00 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001573 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 358.46 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001568 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 334.10 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001569 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 279.91 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001566 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 192.88 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001567 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 328.87 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001564 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 334.10 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001565 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 201.66 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001562 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 117.94 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001563 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 1,505.54 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001560 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 43.61 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001561 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 279.91 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001557 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 119.22 02/07/2025 DMS FACILITY SERVICES, LLC STL-001559 Landscape Services, Nov '24 100-355-720700 174.98 02/07/2025 QUADIENT LEASING USA, INC. Q1700080 Lease - Mailing Equipment, 11/28/24 - 2/27/25
100-195-641000 530.22
02/07/2025 COUNTY OF ORANGE SH 70722 Fingerprint ID System Charges, Jan 100-420-720835 913.00 02/07/2025 ALDERETE POOLS INC POOLR-0005-2024 Refund, Pool Bond, REC-012425-2024 100-000-228001 500.00 02/07/2025 DARYN FRAZIER POOLR-0017-2024 Refund, Pool Bond, REC-013270-2024 100-000-228001 500.00 02/07/2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES,

ORANGE COUNTY DIVISION
INV-26606-G0H8G4 Membership Dues, 1/1/25 - 6/30/25 100-155-610001 7,399.00 02/07/2025 ALEX HOUSE LH109724 Refund, Citation #LH109724 100-000-460100 10.00 Payables Detail Report Payment Dates: 01/31/2025 - 02/13/2025 Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) Account Number 02/07/2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES,

ORANGE COUNTY DIVISION
INV-26606-G0H8G4 Membership Dues, 7/1/25 - 12/31/25 100-000-140000 7,399.00

Amount
2/18/2025 1:27:01 PM Page 3 of 4
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67380 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #109, Dec '24
600-251-950109 6,939.62
Fund 600 - Capital Improvement Projects Fund Total: -
Grand Total: 1,179,456.46
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67380 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #109, Dec '24
600-000-490210 (6,939.62)
02/07/2025 GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC. 67380 Material Testing Svcs, CIP #104, Dec '24
600-251-950104 6,939.63
Payables Detail Report Payment Dates: 01/31/2025 - 02/13/2025 Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) Account Number

2/18/2025 1:27:01 PM Page 4 of 4
Grand Total: 1,179,456.46
Project Account Summary
Project Account Key Payment Amount
**None** 1,179,456.46
Grand Total: 1,179,456.46
600-251-950104 Paseo De Valencia Pavement 8,188.01
600-251-950109 La Paz Road Pavement Rehab 8,187.99
600-255-950513 Community Center Renovation 17,135.00
212-355-720410 Street Sweeping 16,632.20
600-000-490100 Transfers In from General Fund (17,135.00) 600-000-490210 Transfers In from Gas Tax (HUTA) (16,376.00) 100-420-720850 Private Security Patrol 7,224.00
210-000-790600 Transfers Out to Capital 16,376.00
212-355-720400 Street Maintenance 136.95
100-356-720420 MOE - Traffic Signal Maintenance 3,644.70 100-420-720800 General Law Enforcement 946,274.80
100-420-720835 Fingerprint Identification Services 913.00 100-355-720702 Tree Maintenance 6,170.50
100-355-720730 Annual Weed Abatement 2,200.00
100-356-630000 MOE - Telephone & 31.53
100-355-720500 Graffiti Removal 2,658.38
100-355-720700 Landscape Maintenance 25,283.35
100-355-720701 Parks Contract Repair 3,070.50
100-355-635000 Utilities - Water 15,063.67
100-355-700000 Professional Services 4,699.48
100-355-720401 Other Public Works Maintenance 60,146.08 100-310-624500 Advertising - Program Services 400.00
100-310-641000 Equipment Rentals & Leases 300.77
100-310-645500 Facility Maintenance & Repairs 704.40
100-195-622000 Operating Supplies 2,600.94
100-195-630000 Telephone & Communications 747.85
100-195-641000 Equipment Rentals & Leases 530.22
100-155-700010 Legal Services - General Counsel 24,012.77 100-155-700011 Legal Services - Litigation 3,601.25
100-155-700030 Professional Services - City Clerk 115.00 100-000-460100 Parking Citations 10.00
100-000-790600 Transfers Out to Capital 17,135.00
100-155-610001 Memberships & Dues - LOCC 7,549.00
100-000-222000 Refundable Deposits 1,500.00
100-000-223000 Plan Application Deposit 668.80
100-000-228001 Swimming Pool Construction 1,000.00
Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Payment Amount
100-000-140000 Prepaid Items 7,549.00
100-000-220444 Encroachment / Grading Deposits 506.32
100 - General Fund 1,146,311.31
210 - Gas Tax (HUTA) Fund 16,376.00
212 - Measure M2 Fund 16,769.15
600 - Capital Improvement Projects Fund -
Grand Total: 1,179,456.46
Payables Detail Report Payment Dates: 01/31/2025 - 02/13/2025 Report Summary
Fund Summary
Fund Payment Amount

Item No. 4.4
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Eric Hendrickson, Finance Director
Issue: Treasurer's Investment Report for January 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report for the month of January 2025.

Background:

The Treasurer’s Investment Report for the month of January 2025 is submitted herewith. The City’s total portfolio as of January 31, 2025, was $34,099,824. The pooled cash portfolio managed by the City Treasurer consisted of cash on hand, demand deposits, State Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) and Investment Trust of California (CalTRUST) investments and totaled $32,832,790. Restricted cash and investments totaled $1,267,034, and is mainly composed of reserve funds for the 2010 bond issuance.

Interest income for the month of January was $119,851. FY2024/2025 year-to-date pooled cash interest earnings of $874,244 are 93% of the annual budget of $942,050.

The average yield on the City’s total portfolio for the month of January was 4.33%, compared to the prior month of 4.52%. The reduced yield in January corresponds with the actions taken by the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates in efforts to combat inflation. The City has budgeted conservatively in its expectation of interest earnings, and has built rate reductions into the revenue forecast.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no fiscal impact to receive and file this report.

Item No. 4.4
Attachments:

1. Treasurer's Report January 2025

Pooled Cash & Investments
Current Month
Market Value
Current Month
Book Value
Prior Month
Book Value
Current
Month %
of
Portfolio
Maximum
Policy Limit
Yield to
Maturity for
Month
(Annualized)
BMO Checking & Money Market Accounts 11,893,958 $      $     11,893,958 $     10,043,348 36% 50% 4.26% Petty Cash (City Hall) 500                                          500                     500 0% n/a 0.00% Fiscal Agent Cash ‐ Employee FSA 23,920                                23,920                12,460 0% n/a 0.00% State Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) 96,788                                96,825                95,712 0% 100% 4.37% Investment Trust of California (CalTRUST) 20,817,587                20,817,587        20,739,822 63% 100% 4.41% 32,832,753        32,832,790        30,891,842 100% 4.35% Restricted & Designated Cash & Investments
BNY Mellon (2010 Bond ‐ Lease Payment Fund) 779,903                            779,903              777,152 n/a n/a 4.01% BNY Mellon (2010 Bond ‐ Reserve Fund) 392,349                            392,349              390,938 n/a n/a 4.01% Fiscal Agent Cash ‐ Essex Civic Center Mgmt 94,782                                94,782                74,092 n/a n/a 0.00% 1,267,034          1,267,034          1,242,181 3.71%
Totals $     34,099,787 $     34,099,824 $     32,134,023 4.33% For the month of January 2025 $         119,851
FY 2024‐25 to Date            874,244
FY 2024‐25 Budget            942,050
Certification:

Eric Hendrickson
Finance Director/Deputy City Treasurer
City of Laguna Hills
Treasurer's Investment Report
January 2025
Pooled Cash & Investment ‐ Interest Earnings
I hereby certify that the above investment report includes all cash and investments of the City and is in conformance with all State laws and the City's investment policy approved by the City Council on October 22, 2024. At the time of the report, there is sufficient liquidity and anticipated revenues available to meet the City's budgeted expenditure requirements for the next six months.

Reconciling items (outstanding checks and deposits in transit):

Pooled Cash & Investments Book Value:

Fund Balance Type
Nonspendable
Assigned
Unassigned
Total
Pooled Cash Report
City of Laguna Hills, CA
For the Period Ending 1/31/2025

BEGINNING

BALANCE

CURRENT

ACTIVITY

CURRENT
BALANCE ACCOUNT # ACCOUNT NAME

CLAIM ON CASH
100‐000‐101100 Claim on Cash ‐ General Fund 20,751,963.90               1,999,135.48      22,751,099.38 210‐000‐101210 Claim on Cash ‐ Gas Tax (HUTA) 1,808,699.18                      63,159.92        1,871,859.10 211‐000‐101211 Claim on Cash ‐ Gas Tax (RMRA) 1,811,427.01                      74,198.53        1,885,625.54 212‐000‐101212 Claim on Cash ‐ Measure M2 (8,131.64)                             84,158.44              76,026.80 214‐000‐101214 Claim on Cash ‐ AB 2766 187,056.07            ‐                                      187,056.07 221‐000‐101221 Claim on Cash ‐ Senior Mobility Program 275,297.55                           7,151.56            282,449.11 301‐000‐101301 Claim on Cash ‐ CARITS Road Fee Program 1,388,967.79                       (7,122.75)        1,381,845.04 305‐000‐101305 Claim on Cash ‐ Beverage Recycling 5,953.04                 ‐                                          5,953.04 306‐000‐101306 Claim on Cash ‐ CR&R Recycling Fee 135,834.28                          (6,584.59)            129,249.69 307‐000‐101307 Claim on Cash ‐ C&D Forfeited Deposits            ‐ 365,344.30                                      365,344.30 309‐000‐101305 Claim on Cash ‐ SB1383 Grant 90,133.40                           (11,798.74)              78,334.66 311‐000‐101310 Claim on Cash ‐ Quimby Act Park In‐Lieu Fee (VALH         ‐ 2,012,558.14                                  2,012,558.14 312‐000‐101312 Claim on Cash ‐ CASp Fee 34,781.11                                  774.00              35,555.11 322‐000‐101322 Claim on Cash ‐ Water Conservation 380,467.19            ‐                                      380,467.19 401‐000‐101401 Claim on Cash ‐ Public Art 450,004.44            ‐                                      450,004.44 421‐000‐101421 Claim on Cash ‐ SLESF 125,272.39                         26,320.01            151,592.40 451‐000‐101451 Claim on Cash ‐ Liability Self‐Insurance            ‐ 161,300.18                                      161,300.18 452‐000‐101452 Claim on Cash ‐ Parks Equipment Maintenance            ‐ 309,213.00                                      309,213.00 454‐000‐101454 Claim on Cash ‐ Sports Complex Equipment Maint               ‐ 87,144.46                                        87,144.46 455‐000‐101455 Claim on Cash ‐ Community Center Equipment Ma              99,004.75             (52,242.88)              46,761.87 154,253.44
GENERAL FUND RESERVES (as of most recent audited year end 6/30/2024) 299,941
32,832,790.00
23,776,892
24,768,465
691,632
456‐000‐101456 Claim on Cash ‐ Storm Drain / Slope Repair Reserv               ‐ 29,097.04                                        29,097.04 TOTAL CLAIM ON CASH      30,501,387.58         2,177,148.98      32,678,536.56

Local Agency Investment Fund
P.O. Box 942809
Sacramento, CA 94209-0001
(916) 653-3001
February 10, 2025
LAIF Home
PMIA Average Monthly
Yields

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS

CITY MANAGER
24035 EL TORO ROAD
LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653
Account Number:

January 2025 Statement
Tran Type Definitions
Effective
Date
Transaction
Date
Tran
Type Confirm
Number
Web
Confirm
Number Authorized Caller Amount
1/15/2025 1/14/2025 QRD 1767358 N/A SYSTEM 1,113.15
Account Summary
Total Deposit: 1,113.15 Beginning Balance: 95,711.59
Total Withdrawal: 0.00 Ending Balance: 96,824.74

Current Period Year-to-Date
Go Paperless.Securely access your accounts online to view your statements. Ask your BNY contact how we can help you accessyour account balances and activity in real time, receive your reports, enter your own transactions or submit an auditconfirmation online. Also be sure to ask how NEXEN(SM) Gateway, our cloud-based ecosystem, can help you.Visit us at www.bny.com CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER: LENA CHAN
Percent of all
Investments Asset Classification Market Value
100% TOTAL OF ALL INVESTMENTS 779,903.18
Estimated Market
Asset Classification Market Value Cost Accrued Income Annual Income YieldACCOUNT TOTALS 779,903.18 779,903.18 0.00 31,269.56 4.01 % Realized
Transaction Category Income Principal Gains/Losses Income PrincipalOPENING BALANCE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Account Statement
Account Overview
Summary of Assets Held by Asset ClassificationSummary of Cash Transactions by Transaction Category Statement Period 01/01/2025 Through 01/31/2025Account Base Currency = USD LAGUNA HILLS 2010 LEASE PYMT FDBNYM COPORATE TRUST, N.A333 S. HOPE ST. STE 2525LOS ANGELES, CA [email protected] 100% CASH AND SHORT TERM 779,903.18
CASH AND SHORT TERM 779,903.18 779,903.18 0.00 31,269.56 4.01 %DIVIDENDS 2,751.36 0.00 0.00 2,751.36 0.00OTHER CASH ADDITIONS 0.00 2,751.36 0.00 0.00 2,751.36 OTHER CASH DISBURSEMENTS 2,751.36 - 0.00 0.00 2,751.36 - 0.00PURCHASES 0.00 2,751.36 - 0.00 0.00 2,751.36 -

e 093546 n 080105 a 02 t DOM i WI s 313,844

Current Period Year-to-Date
Go Paperless.Securely access your accounts online to view your statements. Ask your BNY contact how we can help you accessyour account balances and activity in real time, receive your reports, enter your own transactions or submit an auditconfirmation online. Also be sure to ask how NEXEN(SM) Gateway, our cloud-based ecosystem, can help you.Visit us at www.bny.com CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER: LENA CHAN
Percent of all
Investments Asset Classification Market Value
100% TOTAL OF ALL INVESTMENTS 392,349.03
Estimated Market
Asset Classification Market Value Cost Accrued Income Annual Income YieldACCOUNT TOTALS 392,349.03 392,349.03 0.00 15,730.90 4.01 % Realized
Transaction Category Income Principal Gains/Losses Income PrincipalOPENING BALANCE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Account Statement
Account Overview
Summary of Assets Held by Asset ClassificationSummary of Cash Transactions by Transaction Category Statement Period 01/01/2025 Through 01/31/2025Account Base Currency = USD LAGUNA HILLS 2010 RESERVE FDBNYM COPORATE TRUST, N.A333 S. HOPE ST. STE 2525LOS ANGELES, CA [email protected] 100% CASH AND SHORT TERM 392,349.03
CASH AND SHORT TERM 392,349.03 392,349.03 0.00 15,730.90 4.01 %DIVIDENDS 1,411.53 0.00 0.00 1,411.53 0.00OTHER CASH ADDITIONS 0.00 1,411.53 0.00 0.00 1,411.53 OTHER CASH DISBURSEMENTS 1,411.53 - 0.00 0.00 1,411.53 - 0.00PURCHASES 0.00 1,411.53 - 0.00 0.00 1,411.53 -

e 093547 n 080106 a 02 t DOM i WI s 313,848

Corporate Class
Invesco Treasury Portfolio
Short-Term Investments Trust
Data as of January 31, 2025
NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT FDIC-INSURED | NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY invesco.com CM-FFTSY-2-E 02/25 Invesco Distributors, Inc.

This report must be accompanied or preceded by a currently effective fund prospectus, which contains more complete information, including fees and expenses. Read it carefully before investing.

The fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in short-term, high-credit-quality money market instruments. These instruments are direct obligations of the US Treasury and repurchase agreements backed by Treasury obligations.

Investment Objective
Provide current income consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity.

Permissible Investments
Fund Highlights
n The portfolio management team follows a conservative investment process with respect to minimal credit risk, interest rate risk and liquidity.
n The fund is designed for short- to medium-term cash investments, operating cash, cash sweeps and the liquidity components of investment portfolios.
n The fund aims to preserve capital, maintain liquidity and produce a competitive yield.

Yields (%)
The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted above. The investment return and principal value of your investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. You may obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end by visiting invesco.com. The SEC yield listed reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect for the period. Had the Adviser not waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses, your 7-day SEC yield would have been 4.23%. Average annual total returns reflect reinvested distributions, net of expenses for the periods. The 7-day SEC yield more closely reflects the current earnings of the fund than the total returns shown. 30-day simple and simple monthly yield are the sum of
the distribution rates for the number of days in the yield period annualized by 365 and divided by net asset value (NAV).

This does not constitute a recommendation of any
investment strategy or product for a particular investor. Investors should consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Maturity Schedule (%)

4.26 4.09 4.26 4.10
7-Day SEC 30-Day Simple
as of January 31, 2025 Average Annual Total Returns (%) Period (%)
as of January 31, 2025
Inception 1.53
10 Years 1.70
5 Years 2.43
3 Years 4.01
1 Year 5.05
Invesco Treasury Portfolio
iMoneyNet U.S. Treasury & Repo Institutional Category1
Portfolio Composition (%) 3
SEC Investment Category (%)
U.S. Treasury Repurchase Agreement 62.0
U.S. Treasury Debt 38.0
Simple Monthly Yields
Period (%)
as of January 31, 2025
January 2025 4.26
December 4.41
November 4.56
October 4.70
September 4.95
August 5.13
July 5.17
June 5.18
May 5.19
April 5.18
March 5.18
February 2024 5.18
g 1-7
g 8-30
g 31-60
g 61-90
g 91-180
g 181+
Maturity schedule is based on weighted average maturity and is subject to change.
g 60.9
g 8.1
g 2.3
g 3.7
g 1.8
g 23.2
Days to
maturity (%)
NAIC Requirements
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Meets NAIC requirement of a 0% capital reserve for a
purchase by insurance companies.

Management Team
Laurie Brignac, Joe Madrid, Brandon Maitre, Justin Mandeville, Marques Mercier, Wesley Rager, Jennifer Brown, Ripal Tilara, and Bryn Zinser
All data provided by Invesco unless otherwise stated. 1 iMoneyNet, Inc. is an independent mutual fund performance monitor. The U.S. Treasury & Repo Institutional Category is an unmanaged group of money market funds with similar invest- ment objectives and pricing structures as the Corporate Class of the Invesco Treasury Portfolio. iMoneyNet performance figures represent the category average. An investment cannot be made into the category. 2 A credit rating is an assessment provided by Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization (NRSRO) of the cred- itworthiness of an issuer with respect to debt obligations, includ- ing specific securities, money market instruments or other debts. Fund ratings are subject to change and are based on sev- eral factors, including an analysis of a portfolio's overall credit quality, market price exposure and management. Fund ratings are provided to indicate the creditworthiness of the underlying holdings in the portfolio and offer a forward-looking opinion about fixed income funds' capacity to maintain stable principal (net asset value). The ratings will generally range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). For more information on rating method- ologies, please visit the following NRSRO websites: www.standar- dandpoors.com and select "Understanding Ratings" under Rating Resources on the homepage; www.moodys.com and select "Rating Methodologies" under Research and Ratings on the homepage; www.fitchratings.com and select "Ratings Definitions" on the homepage.@FSIA_CashDisclosureLeft: 3 Portfolio composition is subject to change. An investment cate- gory listed with "other" in the name indicates that the underly- ing holdings did not fall into the SEC's more narrowly defined investment categories.

You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

Although the Fund seeks to preserve your
investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot
guarantee it will do so. An investment in the
Fund is not a bank account and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency.

The Fund’s sponsor is not required to reimburse
the Fund for losses, and you should not expect
that the sponsor will provide financial support to
the Fund at any time, including during periods of
market stress.

Fund Information
Inception August 01, 2005
CUSIP 825252570

NASDAQ TYCXX
Total Net Assets $38.00 billion
Reflects all classes of the portfolio.

Weighted Average Maturity (WAM) 23 days
Weighted Average Life (WAL) 96 days
SEC Portfolio Liquidity Requirements (%)
1-day 61.26
7-day 95.78
Ratings²
Standard & Poor's AAAm
Moody's Aaa-mf
Fitch Ratings AAAmmf

Treasuries

55.91%
Agencies

25.25%
Certificates of
Deposit/Bank Notes

8.46%
Time
Deposits

3.27%
Commercial
Paper

6.40%
Corporate
Bonds

0.58%
Loans

0.13%
Notes: The apportionment rate includes interest earned on the CalPERS Supplemental Pension Payment pursuant to Government Code 20825 (c)(1) and interest earned on the Wildfire Fund loan pursuant to Public Utility Code 3288 (a). *The percentage of administrative cost equals the total administrative cost divided by the quarterly interest earnings. The law provides that administrative costs are not to exceed 5% of quarterly EARNINGS of the fund. However, if the 13-week Daily Treasury Bill Rate on the last day of the fiscal year is below 1%, then administrative costs shall not exceed 8% of quarterly EARNINGS of the fund for the subsequent fiscal year.

Source:
(1) State of California, Office of the Treasurer
(2) State of California, Office of the Controller
PMIA Average Monthly
Effective Yields(1)
January 4.366
December 4.434
November 4.477
October 4.518
September 4.575
August 4.579
PMIA/LAIF Performance Report
as of 02/05/25
Daily rates are now available here. View PMIA Daily Rates Quarterly Performance
Quarter Ended 12/31/24
LAIF Apportionment Rate(2): 4.62
LAIF Earnings Ratio(2): 0.00012664187216722
LAIF Administrative Cost(1)*: 0.28
LAIF Fair Value Factor(1): 0.999621985
PMIA Daily(1): 4.40
PMIA Quarter to Date(1): 4.48
PMIA Average Life(1): 252
Chart does not include $1,239,000.00 in mortgages, which equates to 0.001%. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

Pooled Money Investment Account
Monthly Portfolio Composition (1)
12/31/24
$155.4 billion

Item No. 4.5
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
Issue: Second Reading and Adoption of Introduced Ordinance Relating to Unlawful Use of the Official City Seal
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Adopt an Ordinance entitled: "An Ordinance of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Amending and Restating Chapter 1-12 (Official City Seal) of Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code and Adding New Section 1-12.020 (Unlawful Use of Official City Seal) Making Unauthorized Use of the Official City Seal Unlawful."
Background:

The Ordinance, introduced at the February 11, 2025, regular meeting will add Section 1-

12.020 (Unlawful Use of Official City Seal) to Chapter 1-12 (Official City Seal) of Title 1 (General Provisions) making unauthorized use of the City's official seal unlawful.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no fiscal impact associated with adoption of the proposed ordinance.

Attachments:

1. Proposed Ordinance

2. February 11, 2025, Ordinance Introduction Staff Report Including Attachments

4899-4422-6582, v. 1
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-X

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING CHAPTER 1-
12 (OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) OF TITLE 1 (GENERAL

PROVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
AND ADDING NEW SECTION 1-12.020 (UNLAWFUL USE

OF OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) MAKING UNAUTHORIZED USE

OF THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL UNLAWFUL
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills has an official City seal that is currently not protected from unauthorized use by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the unauthorized use, reproduction, or facsimile of an official city seal for any purpose may create a misleading, erroneous, or false impression that the document, item, statement, event, and/or organization is or has been officially authorized, supported, and/or sponsored by the City or a public official; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 34501.5 and Elections Code Section 18304 protect city and county seals by prohibiting the use of a city or county seal in campaign literature or mass mailing with the intent to deceive voters, and State law makes such violations a criminal offense; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to protect its official City seal from all unauthorized uses to prevent fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and/or abuse; and WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to ensure the official City seal is used only for purposes directly related to the official business of the City of Laguna Hills, or as may be expressly authorized by the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
HILLS, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein.

SECTION 2. Chapter 1-12 (Official City Seal) of Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Chapter 1-12

OFFICIAL CITY SEAL
Sections:
1-12.010 Adoption of Official City Seal.
1-12.020 Unlawful Use of Official City Seal.

Ordinance No. 2025-X

4899-4422-6582, v. 1
1-12.010 Adoption of Official City Seal.

The official corporate seal for the City of Laguna Hills (“Official City Seal”) is adopted and approved and shall appear substantially as follows:
1-12.020 Unlawful Use of Official City Seal.

It is unlawful for any person, corporation, entity, association, or organization to make or use the Official City Seal, or any cut, facsimile, or reproduction thereof, for any purpose other than for the official business of the City, its City Council, officers, or departments, without prior authorization of the City Council.

SECTION 3. This ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to state CEQA guidelines because there is no possibility that this ordinance or its implementation would have a significant negative effect on the environment. (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) City staff shall cause a Notice of Exemption to be filed as authorized by CEQA and state CEQA guidelines.

SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once within fifteen days after passage and adoption as may be required by law; or, in the alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this ordinance and a certified copy of the text of this ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk five days prior to the date of adoption of this ordinance; and, within fifteen days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published the aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the office of the City Clerk.

Ordinance No. 2025-X

4899-4422-6582, v. 1
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 25th day of February 2025. ________________________________

JOSHUA SWEENEY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS )
I, Jennifer Lee, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-X was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on the 11th day of February 2025, and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a Regular Meeting of the City Council held on the 25th day of February 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
(SEAL)
_____________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

Ordinance No. 2025-X

4899-4422-6582, v. 1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS ) AND PUBLICATION
JENNIFER LEE, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

That she is the duly appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills;
That in compliance with State Laws of the State of California, ORDINANCE NO. 2025-X, being:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING CHAPTER 1-
12 (OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) OF TITLE 1 (GENERAL

PROVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
AND ADDING NEW SECTION 1-12.020 (UNLAWFUL USE

OF OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) MAKING UNAUTHORIZED USE

OF THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL UNLAWFUL
on the 20th day of February 2025, and on the X day of X 2025, was published in summary in the Saddleback Valley News; and was, in compliance with City Resolution No. 2004-05-25-2, by the 14th day of February 2024, and the X day of X 2025, caused to be posted in three places in the City of Laguna Hills, to wit:

Laguna Hills City Hall
Laguna Hills Community Center
La Paz Center
_________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK
Laguna Hills, California

Item No. 7.3.1
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 11, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
Issue: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Relating to the Unlawful Use of the Official City Seal
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance entitled: "An Ordinance of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Amending and Restating Chapter 1-12 (Official City Seal) of Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code and Adding New Section 1-

12.020 (Unlawful Use of Official City Seal) Making Unauthorized Use of the Official City Seal Unlawful."
Background:

The City's official seal is personal property of the City and the City can control its use as well as prevent others from unauthorized use. Misuse or unauthorized use of the City's official seal can cause confusion or misrepresentation that a statement, event, or organization is supported or endorsed by the City.

The City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code does not have detailed regulations governing the use of the City's official seal. California law makes it a criminal offense to use city seals with the intention of creating an impression that a document is authorized by a public official (Gov't Code §34501.5). The use of the City's official seal with the intent to deceive voters into thinking a communication is from the City can be a violation of California election law (Elect. Code §18304). State law designates the City Clerk as the custodian of the city seal (Govt't Code §40811), but the law does not detail such custodial duties and rights. Although state laws discussed above provide some limits upon the use of the City's official seal to prevent misrepresentations, there is no regulation on whether the City's official seal may be used, by whom, in what context, or Item No 4.5 Attachment 2

Item No. 7.3.1
in what capacity. Modern technology makes it easy for anyone to capture the City's official seal and use it to mislead or give the impression that a publication, event, or item is authorized or sponsored by the City.

Staff is recommending adoption of the attached proposed ordinance to provide the City with a tool to help ensure the City's official seal is used only for purposes directly related to the official business of the City of Laguna Hills, or as officially authorized.

CEQA Findings:

The proposed ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Sections 15060 (c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no fiscal impact associated with adoption of the proposed ordinance.

Attachments:

1. Proposed Ordinance
Item No 4.5 Attachment 2

4899-4422-6582, v. 1
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-X

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING CHAPTER 1-
12 (OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) OF TITLE 1 (GENERAL

PROVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
AND ADDING NEW SECTION 1-12.020 (UNLAWFUL USE

OF OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) MAKING UNAUTHORIZED USE

OF THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL UNLAWFUL
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills has an official City seal that is currently not protected from unauthorized use by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the unauthorized use, reproduction, or facsimile of an official city seal for any purpose may create a misleading, erroneous, or false impression that the document, item, statement, event, and/or organization is or has been officially authorized, supported, and/or sponsored by the City or a public official; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 34501.5 and Elections Code Section 18304 protect city and county seals by prohibiting the use of a city or county seal in campaign literature or mass mailing with the intent to deceive voters, and State law makes such violations a criminal offense; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to protect its official City seal from all unauthorized uses to prevent fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and/or abuse; and WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to ensure the official City seal is used only for purposes directly related to the official business of the City of Laguna Hills, or as may be expressly authorized by the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
HILLS, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein.

SECTION 2. Chapter 1-12 (Official City Seal) of Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Chapter 1-12

OFFICIAL CITY SEAL
Sections:
1-12.010 Adoption of Official City Seal.
1-12.020 Unlawful Use of Official City Seal.

Item No 4.5 Attachment 2

Ordinance No. 2025-X

4899-4422-6582, v. 1
1-12.010 Adoption of Official City Seal.

The official corporate seal for the City of Laguna Hills (“Official City Seal”) is adopted and approved and shall appear substantially as follows:
1-12.020 Unlawful Use of Official City Seal.

It is unlawful for any person, corporation, entity, association, or organization to make or use the Official City Seal, or any cut, facsimile, or reproduction thereof, for any purpose other than for the official business of the City, its City Council, officers, or departments, without prior authorization of the City Council.

SECTION 3. This ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to state CEQA guidelines because there is no possibility that this ordinance or its implementation would have a significant negative effect on the environment. (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) City staff shall cause a Notice of Exemption to be filed as authorized by CEQA and state CEQA guidelines.

SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once within fifteen days after passage and adoption as may be required by law; or, in the alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this ordinance and a certified copy of the text of this ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk five days prior to the date of adoption of this ordinance; and, within fifteen days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published the aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the office of the City Clerk.

Item No 4.5 Attachment 2

Ordinance No. 2025-X

4899-4422-6582, v. 1
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this X day of X 2025.
________________________________

JOSHUA SWEENEY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS )
I, Jennifer Lee, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-X was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on the X day of X 2025, and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a Regular Meeting of the City Council held on the X day of X 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
(SEAL)
_____________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK
Item No 4.5 Attachment 2

Ordinance No. 2025-X

4899-4422-6582, v. 1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS ) AND PUBLICATION
JENNIFER LEE, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

That she is the duly appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills;
That in compliance with State Laws of the State of California, ORDINANCE NO. 2025-X, being:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING CHAPTER 1-
12 (OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) OF TITLE 1 (GENERAL

PROVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
AND ADDING NEW SECTION 1-12.020 (UNLAWFUL USE

OF OFFICIAL CITY SEAL) MAKING UNAUTHORIZED USE

OF THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL UNLAWFUL
on the X day of X 2025, and on the X day of X 2025, was published in summary in the Saddleback Valley News; and was, in compliance with City Resolution No. 2004-05-25-2, by the X day of X 2024, and the X day of X 2025, caused to be posted in three places in the City of Laguna Hills, to wit:

Laguna Hills City Hall
Laguna Hills Community Center
La Paz Center
_________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK
Laguna Hills, California
Item No 4.5 Attachment 2

Item No. 4.6
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
Issue: Resolution Opposing SCAQMD Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Opposing SCAQMD Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121."
Background:

At the February 11, 2025, regular meeting, the City Council directed staff to draft a resolution for approval opposing South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121. The attached proposed resolution has been drafted for the City Council's approval. These rules pertain to residential furnaces and small water heaters. The Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) has already received briefings from AQMD staff on these rules and subsequently voted to oppose them in their current form.

Fiscal Impact:

Unknown.

Attachments:

1. Proposed Resolution

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-02-25-X

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING SCAQMD
PROPOSED AMENDED RULES 1111 AND 1121
The City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, hereby finds, determines, declares, and resolves as follows:

WHEREAS, The South Coast Air Quality District (SCAQMD) is a regional air pollution control agency representing Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties with responsibility for regulating stationary sources of air pollution; and
WHEREAS, The SCAQMD is considering two rules that would have a significant impact on up to 17 million South Coast homeowners, renters and businesses:

Rule 1111 would regulate air emissions from gas-powered central furnaces; and Rule 1121 would regulate air emissions from residential-type, natural gas-powered water heaters; and
WHEREAS, Rules 1111 and 1121 would impose $20-plus billion in costs to consumers while providing minimal measurable air quality benefits for the four-county SCAQMD service area; and
WHEREAS, these two rules would ban the use of natural gas-powered furnaces and water heaters in new construction, taking effect in 2026, further elevating construction costs and housing prices, thereby putting homeownership even further out of reach for many Southern Californians. These rules would phase out existing natural gas furnaces and water heaters in existing single-family homes, multi-family housing, and businesses in 2027; and
WHEREAS, housing affordability throughout California is and will remain a top public policy priority for (CITY) for the foreseeable future. Local governments are being pressured to build more housing – specifically, housing that people can afford. Any regulations that increase these costs deserve careful scrutiny to ensure that the increased costs are met with an equal or greater amount of benefit to the consumer; and WHEREAS, unlike most SCAQMD rules that regulate large stationary sources of air pollution like oil refineries and warehouses, Rules 1111 and 1121 specifically target individual homeowners, apartment buildings, and businesses large and small – meaning that the costs of these two rules will be directly borne by hard-working families and business owners; and
WHEREAS, Rules 1111 and 1121 would require apartment owners, homeowners and businesses to invest not only in expensive all-electric furnaces and water heaters but would also necessitate that they retrofit homes and businesses with expensive electrical panel upgrades, extensive new plumbing, and physical renovations to accommodate compliant units – further raising the cost of new housing and likely

Resolution No. 2025-02-25-X

pricing many potential homeowners and renters out of an already expensive market; and WHEREAS, for apartment owners, the mandate to replace natural gas water heaters and furnaces with all-electric units is incredibly expensive. These significant costs will be passed down to tenants – leading to rent increases and placing additional financial pressure on renters in a region already struggling with housing affordability; and WHEREAS, The SCAQMD’s water heater and furnace mandates will impose a significant increase in electricity demand on California’s electric grid.

Transitioning to all-electric water heaters and furnaces means increased demand on an electric grid that has not proven capable of consistently meeting existing demand. Water heaters and furnaces are essential elements in any house, apartment or business.

Millions of new electric water heaters and furnaces would draw power from the grid and raise the risk of power brownouts or outages.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA

HILLS, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Rules 1111 and 1121 will have a profound impact and impose significant costs on millions of Southern California homeowners, renters and businesses who are already struggling to make ends meet while providing minimal air quality benefit.

SECTION 2. The City of Laguna Hills opposes Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 and urges the SCAQMD to indefinitely delay or cease consideration of these two anticonsumer regulations immediately.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of February 2025. ____________________________________

JOSHUA SWEENEY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

Resolution No. 2025-02-25-X

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS )
I, Jennifer Lee, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 2025-02-25-X adopted by the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, at a Regular Meeting thereof held on the 25th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
(SEAL)
_____________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

Item No. 4.7
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Joe Ames, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Issue: City of Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills Adopting the Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.”
Background:

A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is used to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and to develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazards. Having a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved LHMP is beneficial to the City as it is a condition for receiving certain types of pre- and post-disaster funding. The City has never adopted a LHMP before.

The City has received notice from FEMA that its LHMP submittal is “eligible for final approval pending its adoption by the City of Laguna Hills;” therefore, City staff is recommending that the LHMP be adopted by resolution.

For background, in 2019, City staff submitted a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Planning Sub-Application to the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and FEMA for $30,000 in financial assistance to hire a consultant to prepare a LHMP. The grant application was successful. Subsequently, the City hired an expert in the field of preparing LHMPs, De Novo Planning Group (De Novo). In December 2021, a Planning Team consisting of surrounding cities, special districts, and fire responders convened to provide input for a draft LHMP. In early 2022, a community survey was conducted to gain additional input. In late 2022, the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Traffic

Item No. 4.7
Commission provided input. In February 2023, an administrative draft of the LHMP was released for public comment. On October 10, 2023, City staff and De Novo presented the administrative draft to City Council for review and input. In November 2023, De Novo submitted the administrative draft LHMP to CalOES for review. Upon review, CalOES indicated the draft did not meet FEMA’s revised criteria for a complete LHMP. In February 2024, De Novo presented the City with a proposal for additional work efforts to comply with FEMA’s revised criteria which included additional community outreach efforts. City Council approved of this additional work on March 12, 2024. Subsequently, De Novo conducted additional community outreach efforts, revised the draft LHMP, and resubmitted to CalOES. CalOES had no further comments on the LHMP and forwarded the document to FEMA. Last month, FEMA sent a letter to the City approving of the LHMP pending adoption by the City Council.

CEQA Findings:

CEQA exempts from its requirements “feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions which the agency, board, or commission has not approved, adopted, or funded." (CEQA Guidelines §15262.) Here, the proposed Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is a citywide planning and feasibility study that identifies risks and ways to minimize damage by natural and human-induced hazards that threaten the community, and provides resources, information, and planning and feasibility strategies to reduce these threats, resulting in overall risk reduction. The federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires all local governments to create a disaster plan in order to qualify for hazard mitigation funding. The City needs such a plan in order to be eligible for certain types of pre-disaster and post-disaster funding. The LHMP study sets forth risk and vulnerability assessment, mitigation plans, and planning mechanisms and improvements that will aid the City both pre and post disaster. The City has not yet approved, adopted or funded specific disaster mitigation improvements. As a result, the proposed LHMP study falls within CEQA's statutory exemption for planning and feasibility studies. (CEQA Guidelines § 15162.)
Fiscal Impact:

There is no new fiscal impact associated with adopting this plan. The City was previously awarded a $30,000 grant from FEMA to offset the cost of the project. The City contracted with De Novo Planning Group for a total of $58,910 to complete this work.

Item No. 4.7
Attachments:

1. Proposed Resolution

2. Exhibit A - Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-02-25-X

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2024

LAGUNA HILLS LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
The City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, hereby finds, determines, declares, and resolves as follows:

WHEREAS, the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 enacted on October 30, 2000, amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize a program for pre-disaster mitigation, to streamline the administration of disaster relief, to control the Federal costs of disaster assistance, and for other purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires the approval of a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to make local governments eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills established a Project Management Team comprised of City staff and De Novo Planning Group, and a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Planning Team comprised of City staff, De Novo Planning Group, and representatives from the school districts, adjacent cities, utility companies, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Public Works, Orange County Health Care Agency, Saddleback Memorial Care, community service organizations and homeowner associations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills prepared a draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in compliance with Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) guidelines for California Local Governments established by CalOES; and WHEREAS, the LHMP incorporated a process where hazards are identified and profiled, the people and facilities at risk are analyzed, and proposed mitigation actions are developed to potentially reduce or eliminate hazard risk; and WHEREAS, the implementation of these mitigation actions, which include both short and long-term strategies, involve planning, programs, projects, and other activities, but are not yet approved, adopted or funded; and WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills conducted meetings of the Planning Team on November 18, 2021, December 16, 2021, and March 10, 2022 to receive input; and
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills conducted presentations to the Traffic Commission on January 19, 2022 and to the Parks and Recreation Commission on February 2, 2022 to receive input; and

Resolution No. 2025-02-25-X

WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills made available for public review the draft LHMP beginning February 3, 2023 and ending March 6, 2023 and comments received were incorporated into the LHMP; and
WHERAS, the City of Laguna Hills conducted a second presentation to the Traffic Commission on March 15, 2023 to receive further input; and WHEREAS, on October 10, 2023, the City Council authorized staff to submit the draft LHMP to CalOES for preliminary review; and
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills conducted four Focus Group meetings on July 18, 2024, July 25, 2024, July 29, 2024, and August 16, 2024 with the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce, service providers and community partners, homeowner associations, and Age Well Senior Services, respectively, and incorporated their input into the draft LHMP; and
WHEREAS, CalOES approved the draft LHMP on November 26, 2024 and forwarded the document to FEMA for final approval; and
WHEREAS, on January 15, 2025, FEMA determined that the 2024 Laguna Hills LHMP is eligible for final approval pending its adoption by the Laguna Hills City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA

HILLS, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The City Council hereby adopts the City of Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, dated November 2024, which is attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 3. The Public Works Director is authorized and directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the California Department of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of the City.

SECTION 4. The adoption of the City of Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is exempt from CEQA because CEQA exempts “feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions which the agency, board, or commission has not yet approved, adopted, or funded” (CEQA Guidelines §15262).

Resolution No. 2025-02-25-X

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of February 2025. ____________________________________

JOSHUA SWEENEY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS )
I, Jennifer Lee, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 2025-02-25-X adopted by the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, at a Regular Meeting thereof held on the 25th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
(SEAL)
_____________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

City of Laguna Hills
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
PREPARED BY:

City of Laguna Hills
24035 El Toro Road
Laguna Hills, California 92653
Contact: Joe Ames, P.E., T.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer WITH ASSISTANCE FROM:

De Novo Planning Group
180 E. Main Street, Suite 108
Tustin, California 92780
Contact: Starla Barker, AICP
November 2024

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
i | Page Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................1-1

1.1 Plan Purpose.............................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Plan Authority ............................................................................................................ 1-2

1.2.1 Federal ........................................................................................................... 1-2

1.2.2 State................................................................................................................ 1-3

1.3 Plan Adoption ........................................................................................................... 1-4

1.4 Plan Organization...................................................................................................... 1-4

1.5 Mitigation Goals........................................................................................................ 1-5 Section 2.0 Planning Process ...............................................................................................2-1

2.1 Forming The Planning Team ..................................................................................... 2-2

2.1.1 Project Management Team ......................................................................... 2-2

2.1.2 LHMP Planning Team..................................................................................... 2-2

2.1.3 Public Outreach ............................................................................................ 2-7

2.1.4 Previous Public Outreach and Incorporation............................................ 2-10

2.1.5 Review and Incorporate Existing Information ........................................... 2-11

2.2 Assess Risks............................................................................................................... 2-13

2.2.1 Identify/Profile Hazards ............................................................................... 2-13

2.2.2 Assess Vulnerabilities.................................................................................... 2-14

2.3 Develop Mitigation Plan......................................................................................... 2-14

2.3.1 Identify Goals............................................................................................... 2-14

2.3.2 Develop Capabilities Assessment .............................................................. 2-14

2.3.3 Identify Mitigation Actions .......................................................................... 2-14

2.3.4 Plan Review and Revision ........................................................................... 2-15

2.3.5 Plan Adoption and Submittal ..................................................................... 2-15

2.3.6 Plan Maintenance....................................................................................... 2-15 Section 3.0 Community Profile.............................................................................................3-1

3.1 Physical Setting.......................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 History......................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.3 Demographics........................................................................................................... 3-2

3.3.1 Population...................................................................................................... 3-2

3.3.2 Educational Attainment................................................................................ 3-5

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
ii | Page Table of Contents

3.3.3 Employment................................................................................................... 3-6

3.3.4 Housing........................................................................................................... 3-6

3.3.5 Household Characteristics............................................................................ 3-7

3.4 General Plan Land Uses and Development ........................................................... 3-7

3.5 Development Trends and Future Development................................................... 3-13

3.6 Infrastructure Systems ............................................................................................. 3-15

3.6.1 Transportation .............................................................................................. 3-15

3.6.2 Water and Wastewater............................................................................... 3-16

3.6.3 Electricity ...................................................................................................... 3-17

3.6.4 Natural Gas.................................................................................................. 3-17 Section 4.0 Risk and Vulnerability Assessment...................................................................4-1

4.1 Hazard Identification ................................................................................................ 4-1

4.1.1 Hazard Identification..................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Hazard Profiles........................................................................................................... 4-4

4.2.1 Dam/Reservoir Failure ................................................................................... 4-5

4.2.2 Drought......................................................................................................... 4-12

4.2.3 Flood............................................................................................................. 4-20

4.2.4 Human-Induced Hazards............................................................................ 4-27

4.2.5 Seismic and Geologic Hazards .................................................................. 4-36

4.2.6 Severe Weather........................................................................................... 4-50

4.2.7 Wildfire and Urban Fires............................................................................... 4-61

4.3 Vulnerability/Risk Assessment ................................................................................. 4-67

4.3.1 History of Disasters and Other Declarations .............................................. 4-67

4.3.2 Methodology ............................................................................................... 4-68

4.3.3 Critical Facilities and Facilities of Concern................................................ 4-70

4.3.4 Vulnerable Populations............................................................................... 4-76

4.3.5 Vulnerability Assessment ............................................................................. 4-85 Section 5.0 Hazard Mitigation Strategy...............................................................................5-1

5.1 Capabilities Assessment ........................................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Hazard Mitigation Overview................................................................................... 5-13

5.2.1 FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program ............................................... 5-13

5.2.2 Hazard Mitigation Goals ............................................................................. 5-14

5.2.3 Hazard Mitigation Prioritization ................................................................... 5-14

5.2.4 Hazard Mitigation Benefit – Cost Review................................................... 5-16

5.3 Hazard Mitigation Actions...................................................................................... 5-17

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
iii | Page Table of Contents
Section 6.0 Plan Maintenance.............................................................................................6-1

6.1 Method and Schedule for Maintaining and Updating the Plan........................... 6-1

6.1.1 Purpose and Authority................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.2 Annual Plan Monitoring and Maintenance ................................................ 6-3

6.1.3 Five-Year Update........................................................................................... 6-5

6.2 Adoption.................................................................................................................... 6-5

6.3 Incorporation Into Existing Programs and Planning Mechanisms ......................... 6-5

6.4 Continued Public Involvement ................................................................................ 6-7

6.5 Point of Contact........................................................................................................ 6-8 Section 7.0 References.........................................................................................................7-1 List of Appendices
Appendix A City Adoption Resolution
Appendix B Planning Process Documentation

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
iv | Page Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: Disaster Response Cycle.................................................................................... 1-2 Figure 3-1: Regional Location Map..................................................................................... 3-3 Figure 3-2: Laguna Hills Planning Area................................................................................ 3-4 Figure 3-3: General Plan Land Use Map ............................................................................. 3-8 Figure 4-1: Dam Inundation Areas..................................................................................... 4-11 Figure 4-2: Drought Monitor Map ...................................................................................... 4-15 Figure 4-3: U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook ....................................................................... 4-19 Figure 4-4: FEMA Flood Zones ............................................................................................ 4-23 Figure 4-5: Types of Faults................................................................................................... 4-37 Figure 4-6: Earthquake Shaking Potential ......................................................................... 4-42 Figure 4-7: Landslide Hazard Zones................................................................................... 4-44 Figure 4-8: Liquefaction Hazard Zones.............................................................................. 4-46 Figure 4-9: Heat Index......................................................................................................... 4-54 Figure 4-10: Fire Hazard Severity Zones ............................................................................. 4-63 Figure 4-11: Wildland-Urban Interface .............................................................................. 4-64 Figure 4-12: Laguna Hills Critical Facilities and Facilities of Concern.............................. 4-75 Figure 4-13: Overall SVI....................................................................................................... 4-80 Figure 4-14: Socioeconomic SVI ........................................................................................ 4-81 Figure 4-15: Household Characteristics............................................................................. 4-82 Figure 4-16: Racial and Ethnic Minority Status.................................................................. 4-83 Figure 4-17: Housing Type/Transportation......................................................................... 4-84

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
v | Page Table of Contents

LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: DMA CFR Crosswalk ............................................................................................ 2-1 Table 2-2: LHMP Planning Team........................................................................................... 2-4 Table 2-3: Planning Team Meeting Summary..................................................................... 2-7 Table 2-4: Primary Plan Resources..................................................................................... 2-12 Table 3-1: Laguna Hills and Orange County Population and Housing Data (2022)........ 3-2 Table 3-2: Laguna Hills and Orange County Racial and Ethnic Composition (2022) ..... 3-5 Table 3-3: Laguna Hills and Orange County Educational Attainment (2022)................. 3-6 Table 3-4: Laguna Hills and Orange County Household Characteristics (2022).............. 3-7 Table 3-5: Land Use Designations........................................................................................ 3-9 Table 3-6: Laguna Hills Development Capacity (2030)................................................... 3-13 Table 3-7: Laguna Hills RHNA Allocation (2021-2029)....................................................... 3-14 Table 4-1: Laguna Hills Hazard Identification...................................................................... 4-2 Table 4-2: Dams and Reservoirs........................................................................................... 4-9 Table 4-3: Drought Severity Classification......................................................................... 4-14 Table 4-4: Historical Droughts............................................................................................. 4-16 Table 4-5: Acreage by FEMA Flood Zones........................................................................ 4-22 Table 4-6: Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites........................................................ 4-29 Table 4-7: CAL OES Historical Hazmat Spill Notifications in Laguna Hills Since 2010...... 4-33 Table 4-8: The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale............................................................... 4-41 Table 4-9: Major Earthquake Faults of Particular Concern.............................................. 4-47 Table 4-10: Significant Historical Earthquakes in Southern California ............................. 4-48 Table 4-11: Likelihood of Earthquakes Occurring in the Next 30 Years .......................... 4-49 Table 4-12: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale ............................................................. 4-53 Table 4-13: Orange County Extreme Heat Events ........................................................... 4-57 Table 4-14: Major Wildfires in Orange County History ...................................................... 4-65 Table 4-15: Orange County FEMA Disaster Declarations (2014-2024)............................ 4-67

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
vi | Page Table of Contents
Table 4-16: California State Disaster Declarations for Orange County (2014-2024)...... 4-68 Table 4-17: Laguna Hills Critical Facilities and Facilities of Concern............................... 4-72 Table 4-18: Social Vulnerability Index................................................................................ 4-77 Table 4-19: Critical Facilities In Dam Inundation Areas.................................................... 4-85 Table 4-20: Critical Facilities In a 100-Year Flood Hazard Zone....................................... 4-89 Table 4-21: Critical Facilities In a Landslide Zone ............................................................. 4-95 Table 4-22: Critical Facilities In a Liquefaction Zone ........................................................ 4-95 Table 4-23: Critical Facilities In Wildland-Urban Interface ............................................... 4-98 Table 4-24: Risk Assessment Summary ............................................................................. 4-101 Table 5-1: Capabilities Assessment...................................................................................... 5-2 Table 5-2: STAPLEE/E Review and Selection Criteria ........................................................ 5-16 Table 5-3: Hazard Mitigation Actions ................................................................................ 5-19

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
1-1 | Page Introduction
Section 1.0 | Introduction
Natural disasters can cause death and injuries, as well as significant damage to communities, businesses, public infrastructure, and the environment. Each year, natural disasters take the lives of hundreds of people and injure thousands more, and taxpayers pay billions of dollars annually to help recovery efforts. After disasters, repairs and reconstruction are often completed to simply restore the affected areas to their pre‐ disaster conditions. Such efforts expedite a return to normalcy; however, the replication of pre‐disaster conditions results in a cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. As the cost of damage from natural disasters continues to increase, communities realize the importance of identifying effective ways to reduce vulnerability to disasters. While it is not possible to prevent disasters from happening, their effects can be reduced or eliminated through well-organized public education and awareness efforts, preparedness, and mitigation. For those hazards that cannot be fully mitigated, the community must be prepared to provide efficient and effective response and recovery.

It is impossible to predict exactly when and where disasters will occur or the extent to which they will impact a community. However, with careful planning and collaboration among public agencies, stakeholders, and citizens, it is possible to minimize losses that may occur from disasters. Proactive mitigation planning helps reduce the cost of disaster response and, by protecting critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruption. For hazards that can be mitigated, the City should be prepared to implement efficient and effective short- or long-term actions where needed.

The City of Laguna Hills developed this single-jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (“LHMP” or “Plan”) to reduce future loss of life and property resulting from disasters, and to provide increased resiliency, allowing the City to return to normal sooner, with fewer impacts to people, facilities, and infrastructure.

1.1 PLAN PURPOSE
The purpose of the LHMP is to provide the City with clear direction for hazard mitigation action planning. This LHMP identifies natural and human-induced hazards that threaten the community and provides resources, information, and strategies to reduce these threats, resulting in overall risk reduction.

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
1-2 | Page Introduction
This plan focuses on the mitigation component of the cycle shown in Figure 1-1, Disaster Response Cycle. Hazard mitigation plays an important role in reducing the impacts of disasters by identifying effective and feasible actions to reduce the risks posed by potential hazards. The City developed this plan to be consistent with current standards and regulations, ensuring that the understanding of hazards facing its community reflects best available information and current conditions.

The LHMP does not supersede current City
plans or strategies (such as the General
Plan), rather it enhances the ability to
identify, inform and mitigate hazard risks
unique to the City. Information in this plan
will be used to help guide and coordinate
mitigation activities and serve as a tool for
decision-makers to direct mitigation
activities and resources.

1.2 PLAN AUTHORITY

1.2.1 FEDERAL
The federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (the Stafford Act), as amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and supported by various pieces of regulation, directs hazard mitigation planning activities such as this plan. A City is not required to prepare a LHMP, but the Stafford Act requires State, local, and tribal governments that wish to be eligible for federal hazard mitigation grant funds to submit a hazard mitigation plan that outlines the processes for identifying the natural and manmade hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities of the jurisdiction (United States Code [USC] Title 42, Section 5156[a]). FEMA has promulgated Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 44, Part 201 to carry out the hazard mitigation planning requirements in the Stafford Act.

These regulations direct the planning process, plan content, and FEMA approval for hazard mitigation plans.

This LHMP complies with the Stafford Act and DMA 2000, along with the appropriate sections of Title 44 of the CFR, including Parts 201, 206, and 322.

FIGURE 1-1: DISASTER RESPONSE CYCLE
Disaster
Management
Cycle

Laguna Hills Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
1-3 | Page Introduction

1.2.2 STATE
California Government Code Section 8685.9 (Assembly Bill [AB] 2140) limits the State of California’s share of disaster relief funds paid out to local governments to 75 percent of the funds not paid for by federal disaster relief efforts, unless the jurisdiction has adopted a valid hazard mitigation plan consistent with DMA 2000 and has incorporated by reference the hazard mitigation plan into the jurisdiction’s General Plan, which can be accomplished as part of the resolution for adoption of the LHMP.

With an approved and incorporated plan, the State may cover more than 75 percent of the remaining disaster relief costs. All California counties and cities are required to prepare a General Plan, which must include a Safety Element that identifies hazard conditions and public safety issues. California Government Code Section 65302.6 indicates that a community may adopt an LHMP into its Safety Element, if the LHMP meets applicable State requirements. This allows communities to use the LHMP to satisfy State requirements for Safety Elements.

California Government Code Section 65302 (g)(4), (Senate Bill [SB] 379), requires that the General Plan Safety Element address the hazards created or exacerbated by climate change. The Safety Element must identify how climate change is expected to affect hazard conditions in the community and include measures to adapt and be more resilient to these anticipated changes. SB 379 states that climate change must be addressed in the Safety Element when the LHMP is updated after January 1, 2017 (for communities that already have an LHMP), or by January 1, 2022 (for communities without an LHMP). A LHMP and Safety Element address similar issues, but the Safety Element provides a higher-level framework and set of policies, while a LHMP focuses on more specific mitigation, often short-term, actions. LHMPs focus on hazard mitigation-related actions, while the Safety Element also includes policies for emergency response, recovery, and preparedness.

The City of Laguna Hills updated their General Plan Safety Element in June 2022. The General Plan Safety Element specifically covers seismic and geologic hazards, fires, neighborhood safety, hazardous materials and waste, nuclear power, flood hazards, stormwater management, and climate change vulnerability. Emergency preparedness planning, such as identifying actions needed to manage crisis situations, is also addressed.

This LHMP is consistent with current standards and regulations, as outlined by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA. It uses the best available information, and its mitigation actions reflect best practices and community values. In

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order to receive AB 2140 compliance, the City intends to meet the requirements of current State and federal guidelines and make Laguna Hills eligible for all appropriate benefits under State and federal law and practices. Upon receiving FEMA’s approvable pending adoption (APA) notification, the City will formally adopt the LHMP and will also adopt the approved LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan via resolution. The City’s General Plan Safety Element currently references the LHMP and will be updated to document how the public can access the most current, approved LHMP in its entirety.

Compliance with AB 2140 will be determined by Cal OES.

1.3 PLAN ADOPTION
Following FEMA approval, the City Council of Laguna Hills formally adopts the LHMP as its own Hazard Mitigation Plan. A copy of the resolution will be provided in Appendix A.

1.4 PLAN ORGANIZATION
The LHMP is organized into the following sections to reflect the logical progression of activities undertaken to develop the plan and includes all relevant documentation required to meet the necessary criteria for FEMA approval. Each section is briefly described below:

Section 1.0: Introduction describes the background and purpose of the plan, as well as the authority established for its development.

Section 2.0: Planning Process describes the LHMP planning process, as well as the meetings and outreach activities undertaken to engage partner agencies, stakeholders, and the public.

Section 3.0: Community Profile provides the history, geography, and demographics, of Laguna Hills, including land use and development trends.

Section 4.0: Risk and Vulnerability Assessment identifies and profiles the natural and human-induced hazards affecting the City, including their history, risk of future occurrence, and any effects climate change has on their frequency and intensity, where applicable. The selection of hazards is also discussed. This section also identifies the vulnerability and risk to the community, including vulnerable populations, and critical facilities associated with each hazard.

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Section 5.0: Hazard Mitigation Strategy identifies the specific hazard mitigation actions to reduce potential risks to the City’s critical facilities, residents, and business owners in order to improve resiliency, and assesses the City’s capabilities to implement and achieve the mitigation actions.

Section 6.0: Plan Maintenance discusses implementation of the plan, including the process to monitor, evaluate, update, and maintain the LHMP, and identifies opportunities for continued public involvement.

Section 7.0: References identifies the various resources utilized throughout development of the LHMP.

1.5 MITIGATION GOALS
The following goals have been identified for the Laguna Hills LHMP:
 To protect residents and reduce damage to critical facilities and infrastructure, private property, and the environment from natural and human-induced hazards.  To increase public awareness relative to natural and human-induced hazards and inform the public of opportunities to prevent, mitigate, and prepare for risks.  To continue to promote and strengthen inter-jurisdictional and inter-agency coordination and cooperation in the area of hazard mitigation and emergency services.
 To partner with non-profit organizations, service providers, and the private sector to implement hazard mitigation activities to reduce risk to life and property and improve resilience.
 To comprehensively integrate hazard mitigation measures into other City policies and programs that can support or enhance hazard mitigation.

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Section 2.0 | Planning Process
This section describes each stage of the planning process used to develop the LHMP. The LHMP planning process provides a framework to document the plan’s development and follows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-recommended steps. The LHMP follows a prescribed series of planning steps which includes organizing resources, assessing risk, developing the mitigation plan, drafting the plan, reviewing and revising the plan, and adopting and submitting the plan for approval. Each step is described in this section.

Hazard mitigation planning in the United States is guided by statutory regulations described in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and implemented through Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 201 and 206. FEMA’s hazard mitigation plan guidelines outline a four-step planning process for the development and approval of hazard mitigation plans. Table 2-1, DMA 2000 CFR Crosswalk, lists the specific CFR excerpts that contain the requirements for approval, and identifies the applicable section of this LHMP.

TABLE 2-1: DMA 2000 CFR CROSSWALK
DMA 2000 (44 CCFR 201.6) Laguna Hills LHMP Section
(1) Organize Resources Section 2
201.6(c)(1) Organize to prepare the plan
201.6(b)(1) Involve the public
201.6(c)(2) and (3) Coordinate with other agencies
(2) Assess Risks Section 4
201.6(c)(2)(i) Assess the hazard
201.6(c)(2)(ii) and (iii) Assess the problem
(3) Development the Mitigation Plan Section 5
201.6(c)(3)(i) Set goals (Section 1)
201.6(c)(3)(ii) Review possible activities (actions)
201.6(c)(3)(iii) Draft an action plan
(4) Plan Maintenance Section 6
201.6(c)(5) Adopt the plan
201.6(c)(4) Implement, evaluate, and revise

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2.1 FORMING THE PLANNING TEAM

2.1.1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
The City of Laguna Hills contracted with De Novo Planning Group to assist with development of the LHMP. A core Project Management Team, consisting of City Staff and the Consultant Team, was assembled to organize, facilitate, and execute preparation of the LHMP. The Project Management Team was responsible for day-to-day coordination of the LHMP work program, including forming and assembling the Planning Team; scheduling Planning Team meetings; preparing, reviewing, and disseminating Planning Team meeting materials; coordinating, scheduling and participating in community engagement activities and meetings; and, coordinating document review.

2.1.2 LHMP PLANNING TEAM
The Project Management Team identified a list of participants, which included City staff, adjacent jurisdictions, partner agencies, service providers, and organizations, as potential LHMP Planning Team members. Some of these participated as part of the Planning Team and others participated as part of specific focus group meetings and outreach (refer to Section 2.1.3, Public Outreach).

City Staff Planning Team members represented the following City Departments:
 General Government
 Community Services
 Public Works
An invitation was sent via email to individuals advising them of the City’s efforts to prepare a LHMP and requesting their participation in preparation of the plan, including an invitation for participation in up to four Planning Team meetings. The invitation included a request to identify a potential designee if the specific contact was unable to participate; a copy of the correspondence is included in Appendix B. An invitation was sent to the following agencies and organizations:
 City of Aliso Viejo
 City of Irvine
 City of Laguna Niguel
 City of Laguna Woods

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 City of Lake Forest
 City of Mission Viejo
 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
 Orange County Fire Authority
 Orange County Sheriff’s Department
 Orange County Public Works
 El Toro Water District
 Moulton Niguel Water District
 SDG&E
 Southern California Edison
 Southern California Gas Company
 Saddleback Hospital
 Orange County Health Care Agency
 Irvine Unified School District
 Saddleback Unified School District
Together, the Planning Team worked to ensure the success of the planning process. The team’s key responsibilities included:
 Participation in Planning Team meetings
 Collection of local information and other requested data  Providing agency-specific knowledge and input
 Assistance with the public engagement process
 Decision on plan process and content
 Development and prioritization of mitigation actions
 Review and comment on the draft LHMP
Table 2-2, LHMP Planning Team, identifies the Planning Team members that directly participated in the Planning Team meetings and their roles in the LHMP development process.

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TABLE 2-2: LHMP PLANNING TEAM
Organization Name, Title Planning Team Role
Project Management Team
City of Laguna Hills Joe Ames, P.E., T.E.

Public Works Director/City
Engineer
Identification and coordination of
outreach participants,
identification, capabilities
assessment, risk
assessment/vulnerability
discussion, mitigation actions and
prioritization, plan review. Served
as primary point of contact for City
and Consultant Project
Management Team, Planning
Team, and Public.

City of Laguna Hills Ken Rosenfield
Interim City Manager/Director
of Public Works (retired)
LHMP Management and Planning
Team – Oversight and input on
development and organization of
Planning Team and meetings,
participation in Planning Team
meetings, development of and
participation in community
outreach, hazard identification,
capabilities assessment, mitigation
actions and prioritization, and plan
review. Served as primary point of
contact for City and Consultant
Project Management Team,
Planning Team, and Public.

City of Laguna Hills Samantha Vu
Assistant Engineer
Identification and coordination of
outreach participants,
participation in outreach.

City of Laguna Hills Larry Longenecker, AICP Identification and coordination of outreach participants.

City of Laguna Hills Dan Meehan
Community Services
Superintendent (former)
Assistant to David Reynolds.

Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, mitigation actions and
prioritization, plan review.

City of Laguna Hills Amber Shah
Assistant City Engineer (former)
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, mitigation actions and
prioritization, plan review.

Neighboring Cities
City of Lake Forest Amy Stonich
Assistant Director of Community
Development
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, plan review.

City of Lake Forest Ashley Melchor
Management Assistant
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation

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Organization Name, Title Planning Team Role
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

City of Mission Viejo Paul Catsimanes
Emergency Services Manager
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, plan review.

City of Mission Viejo Michelle Claud-Clemente
Animal Services Manager
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

City of Rancho Santa
Margarita
Cheryl Kuta
Assistant City Manager/Director
of Development Services
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

City of Rancho Santa
Margarita
Wendy Starks, AICP
Senior Planner
Plan review.

Emergency Service Providers
Orange County Fire
Authority
TJ McGovern
Division 5 Chief
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, plan review.

Orange County Fire
Authority
Nick Pivaroff
Assistant Fire Marshal
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, plan review.

Orange County Fire
Authority
Jason Lopez
Division 5 Captain
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

Orange County Sheriff’s
Department
Matthew Stiverson
Captain
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

Orange County Sheriff’s
Department
Emergency
Management Division
Michelle Anderson
Emergency Management
Division Director
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, plan review.

Utility/Infrastructure Service Providers
Orange County Public
Works
James Tyler
Manager – Flood Programs
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, plan review.

Orange County Public
Works
Nardy Khan
Deputy Director
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

Orange County Public
Works
Penny Lew
Senior Civil Engineer
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation

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Organization Name, Title Planning Team Role
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

El Toro Water District Sherri Seitz
Public Relations Administrator
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

Moulton Niguel Water
District
Todd Novacek
Director of Operations
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, mitigation actions and
prioritization, plan review.

Moulton Niguel Water
District
Len Barton
Safety & Compliance
Coordinator
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

SDG&E Duane Cave
External Relations Manager
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, mitigation actions and
prioritization, plan review.

Hospitals/Health Care Agencies
Saddleback Hospital Antonio (Tony) Garcia
Facilities Manager
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

Saddleback Hospital Jason Gray
Executive Director
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, plan review.

Saddleback Hospital Dagian Kokesch
Coordinator of Plant
Operations and Safety
Hazard identification, capabilities
assessment, risk assessment/
vulnerability discussion, mitigation
actions and prioritization, plan
review.

School Districts
Saddleback Valley
Unified School District
Robert Craven
Assistant Superintendent
Capabilities assessment, risk
assessment/vulnerability
discussion, mitigation actions and
prioritization, plan review.

Orange County
Department of
Education
Miguel Padilla
Maintenance
Capabilities assessment, risk
assessment/vulnerability
discussion, mitigation actions and
prioritization, plan review.

The LHMP Planning Team held three meetings, as summarized in Table 2-3, Planning Team Meeting Summary. Meeting materials, including PowerPoint presentations, sign-in sheets, agendas, meeting summaries, and other relevant handouts are provided in Appendix B.

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TABLE 2-3: PLANNING TEAM MEETING SUMMARY
Meeting Date Discussion Items
1 November 18, 2021 • Introductions
• Project Goals, Objectives, and Expectations
• Purpose and Requirements of the LHMP
• Hazard Identification and Prioritization
• Critical Facilities
2 December 16, 2021 • Data Needs
• Summary of Hazards/Hazard Profiles
• Risk Assessment Methodology
• Critical Facilities and Facilities of Concern
• Capabilities Assessment
3 March 10, 2022 • Risk Assessment/Vulnerability Overview • Mitigation Strategy Discussion
• Survey Summary
As part of the Planning Team meetings, components of the plan were reviewed and discussed. Clarifications or additional information were obtained from planning team participants. Separate from the Planning Team meetings, discussions occurred with individuals and organizations on the Planning Team, as well as outside of the Planning Team to obtain additional information to further help inform the LHMP. This included, but was not limited to, information from the Nellie Gail Emergency Preparedness Committee, which helped inform the capabilities assessment and development of mitigation actions to expand opportunities for other homeowners associations.

Upon preparation of the internal draft LHMP, each of the planning team participants were provided a link to access the plan and provide comments and/or respond to request for additional information and clarification. Comments and additional information received on the internal draft LHMP were incorporated into the document.

In addition, members of the core Project Management Team continued to meet regularly following the three Planning Team meetings to address revisions to the public review draft LHMP, including participation in focus group outreach, identifying information related to vulnerable populations, and coordinating to integrate this information into the plan.

2.1.3 PUBLIC OUTREACH
A public outreach and engagement strategy was developed to solicit public involvement and input in the LHMP planning process. Components of the public outreach program are described below; refer to Appendix B for outreach materials.

WEBPAGE

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A webpage on the City’s website provided information on the LHMP, including a description of a hazard mitigation plan, its importance, and how the public could be involved in the planning process. A link to complete the community survey was provided along with a contact at the City for any comments or questions. The website was updated throughout the planning process and provided notifications and access to LHMP materials. The draft LHMP was also made available for review.

COMMUNITY SURVEY
A community survey was developed to obtain input from the public about various hazard mitigation topics. In addition to basic demographic information, the survey asked residents to identify specific safety concerns, including what hazards they felt were most likely to impact their neighborhood or property. Residents were also asked what actions they had taken to be more resistant to hazards. Information gained from the survey was used by the Planning Team to identify potential mitigation actions that would reduce damage and disruption from disaster or emergency events and how best to improve communication and dissemination of information.

The survey was made available for completion on the LHMP webpage from January 4, 2022 through March 31, 2022, and the survey link was distributed via email by the City and Planning Team members. The survey received 38 responses.

COMMISSION MEETINGS
A presentation providing an overview of hazard mitigation, purposes of the LHMP, LHMP development process, hazard profiles, public outreach, and overall schedule was provided to the City of Laguna Hills Transportation Commission, and to the Parks and Recreation Commission as part of their regularly scheduled meetings on January 19, 2022 and February 2, 2022, respectively. These meetings were accessible in-person and online.

The meetings are also recorded and posted on the City’s website. The presentation provided opportunities for the commission members and the public to ask questions and provide input on the hazard profiles and topics of concern for consideration as part of the LHMP development process.

During the availability of the public review draft LHMP, as described below, a presentation was provided to the City of Laguna Hill Transportation Commission as part of their regularly scheduled meeting on March 15, 2023. The meeting was accessible inperson and recorded and posted on the City’s website. The presentation provided an overview of the draft LHMP and provided opportunities for the commission members and

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the public to ask questions and provide input on the draft plan prior to submittal to Cal OES and FEMA for review.

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT LHMP
A public review draft LHMP was originally made available to the public for review and comment, beginning February 3, 2023 and ending March 6, 2023. The opportunity for the public to comment was extended until the end of March to allow for presentation of the draft LHMP at the City of Laguna Hills Transportation Commission on March 15, 2023. The draft LHMP was made available on the LHMP webpage and at the City’s Public Works counter. Notifications of its availability were sent via the City’s and County’s social media.

Information was provided on how to submit comments or ask questions regarding the draft LHMP. Comments were received during the City of Laguna Hills Transportation Commission meeting and were incorporated into the draft LHMP. These comments resulted in references to the rail corridor within the Hazardous Spills/Release discussion, additional discussion within the discussion of Heavy Rains, additional mitigation actions, and other text clarifications.

FOCUS GROUPS
Four focus group meetings were conducted to provide an opportunity for outreach to specific groups and organizations to ensure diversity in the public participation process, and to obtain input directly from and relative to populations deemed more vulnerable to natural hazards within the community. As part of the meetings an overview of hazard mitigation and the LHMP preparation process was provided. The attendees were asked to provide input on the hazards to be profiled and issues or concerns relative to the specific hazards. Attendees engaged in an open discussion guided by questions specific to the group. The Project Management team met with the following groups and organizations:

Chamber of Commerce. The Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce is comprised of business owners and operators within the community. Members of the Project Management Team attended a regularly scheduled board meeting on July 18, 2024. The meeting focused on topics related to businesses and their employees, including channels of communication during and after a hazard event and emergency preparedness, particularly for smaller businesses.

Service Providers/Community Partners. Several groups and organizations that work with and provide services to underserved and vulnerable populations were identified within Laguna Hills and the surrounding area and invited to participate in a focus group. The

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organizations included, but were not limited to, Welcoming Neighbors Home, Orange County Housing Authority, South County Outreach, Families Forward, Orange County Community Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank OC/Laguna Food Pantry, Mercy Warehouse, and Peace Center through Saddleback Church. The virtual focus group meeting was held on July 25, 2024. The discussion provided the Planning Team with additional context and local knowledge to supplement statistical data on vulnerable populations.

Home Owner’s Associations/Property Management. Most of the residential neighborhoods/communities within the City are part of an Home Owner’s Association (HOA) or Property Management. The City maintains a list of contacts and all were invited to participate (or send a representative) in an in-person focus group meeting at Laguna Hills City Hall on July 29, 2024. This discussion clarified emergency preparedness and disaster procedures activities being undertaken by local HOAs and Property Management.

Age Well Senior Services. Age Well Senior Services is a nonprofit organization providing critical services, resources, and programs to seniors living in South Orange County. Age Well provides lunch on weekdays at one of nine senior centers, including at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center in Laguna Hills. Members of the Project Management Team attended a regularly scheduled lunch program on August 16, 2024. The conversation focused on concerns about evacuation, especially for older people who do not have cars or family who can assist, and how emergency information is communicated and received. This also provided an opportunity to inform the attendees of the AlertOC system.

Discussions and input received from the focus groups further validated the hazards identified in this LHMP and provided insight into vulnerable populations. The input also helped identify and confirm what worries people the most when they consider the potential impacts of a hazard event. This information was considered when reviewing and developing mitigation actions specifically related to vulnerable populations.

2.1.4 PREVIOUS PUBLIC OUTREACH AND INCORPORATION
In order to ensure consistency and take advantage of extensive community outreach and planning efforts already underway within the City as part of the City’s General Plan Housing Element Update and Safety Element Update, applicable information and input from these outreach efforts was reviewed and considered as part of preparation of the LHMP. Outreach included discussions with various stakeholders regarding existing and

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potential housing opportunities within the City, taking into consideration special-needs populations, locations and conditions of affordable housing, environmental constraints, including natural hazards, and services within the community. The Housing Element Update outreach included focused discussions with public and private sectors, including two building industry experts, two homelessness service providers, and three communitybased organizations:
• Orange County Business Council
• Mercy House
• Kennedy Commission
• Family Assistance Ministries
• Orange County Association of Realtors
• Regional Center of Orange County
• Building Industry Association of Southern California, Orange County chapter • HUD’s Regional Office for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity The focus of these discussions was on the provision of affordable housing and meeting the needs of the community, including understanding the community demographics and specific needs in terms of housing affordability, location, and condition.1 The Housing Element provided information on special-needs populations within the City, which include senior households, agricultural workers, female-headed households, disabled persons, large households, extremely low-income households, and the homeless. It also provided housing stock characteristics, including growth, type, age and condition, tenure, vacancy rates, costs, and affordability. As part of the Housing Element Update, environmental constraints such as steep slopes/hillsides, flooding, and earthquakes were discussed and documented as part of understanding where potential housing could be developed.

In conjunction with the Housing Element, the General Plan Safety Element was also updated and made available for public review and comment by the public. Information from the Safety Element has been incorporated within the LHMP.

2.1.5 REVIEW AND INCORPORATE EXISTING INFORMATION
The LHMP Planning Team referenced a variety of plans, studies, data, and technical reports available from local, State, and federal sources to prepare the LHMP. Primary 1 It is noted that significant outreach and involvement occurred specific to the Housing Element Update; for more information on the outreach conducted, refer to the City of Laguna Hills General Plan Housing Element.

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resources reviewed and incorporated as part of the LHMP planning process are listed in Table 2-4, Primary Plan Resources. A complete list of resources is included in Section 7.0, References.

TABLE 2-4: PRIMARY PLAN RESOURCES
Plans, Studies, Reports and Other Technical
Data/Information
Planning Process/Area of
Document Inclusion
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
/Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)
Vulnerability Assessment
Cal Fire Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability
Assessment; Mitigation Strategy
Cal-Adapt Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability
Assessment; Mitigation Strategy
California Department of Water Resources Hazard Profiles California Geological Survey Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability Assessment
City of Laguna Hills Bridge Report Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability Assessment
City of Laguna Hills General Plan and EIR Community Profile; Hazard Profiles; Mitigation Strategy
City of Laguna Hills Wildland Urban Interface Fire Plan Hazard Profiles, Mitigation Strategy County of Orange and Orange County Fire Authority
LHMP, December 2021
Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability
Assessment
County of Orange and Orange County Operational
Area: Flood, Dam and Reservoir Failure, May 2019
(Draft)
Hazard Profiles
County of Orange and Orange County Operational
Area: Joint Information System Annex, November 2018
Hazard Profiles
El Toro Water District Annex, August 2019 Hazard Profiles FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, May 2023 Multiple plan sections FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide, Effective
April 19, 2023
Multiple plan sections
FEMA Community Lifelines Implementation Toolkit Stakeholder identification and outreach
FEMA Guide to Expanding Mitigation Stakeholder identification and outreach; Vulnerability Assessment;
Mitigation Strategy
FEMA National Risk Index Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability Assessment
FEMA Map Service Center Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability
Assessment
Moulton Niguel Water District Annex, August 2019 Hazard Profiles National Drought Mitigation Center Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability Assessment
OC Health Care Agency Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability
Assessment

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Plans, Studies, Reports and Other Technical
Data/Information
Planning Process/Area of
Document Inclusion
OC Parks Firewood Policy, February 2018 Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability Assessment
OC Public Works Hazard Profiles
Orange County Fire Authority 2020 Unit Strategic Fire
Plan
Hazard Profiles
Orange County Fire Authority Evacuation Maps Hazard Profiles Orange County Fire Authority Laguna Hills Ember Zones,
September 2012
Hazard Profiles
Orange County Regional Water and Wastewater
MJHMP, August 2019
Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability
Assessment
SCAG Local Housing Data for the City of Laguna Hills,
April 2021
Community Profile; Vulnerability
Assessment
SCAG Local Profiles Report for the City of Laguna Hills, 2019
Community Profile; Vulnerability
Assessment
South Orange County Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan
Hazard Profiles
State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,
September 2018
Hazard Profiles
Unified County of Orange and Orange County
Operational Area: Emergency Operations Plan,
February 2019.

Hazard Profiles
US Census American Community Survey Community Profile; Vulnerability Assessment
US Drought Monitor Hazard Profiles; Vulnerability
Assessment

2.2 ASSESS RISKS
In accordance with FEMA requirements, the LHMP Planning Team identified the natural hazards affecting Laguna Hills and assessed the community’s associated vulnerability from those hazards. Results from this phase of the LHMP planning process aided subsequent identification of appropriate mitigation actions to reduce risk from these hazards; refer to Section 5.0, Mitigation Strategy.

2.2.1 IDENTIFY/PROFILE HAZARDS
Based on a review of past hazards, as well as a review of existing plans, reports, and other technical studies, data, and information, the LHMP Planning Team determined if specific hazards were valid and identified other hazards that could affect the City. Content for each hazard profile is provided in Section 4.0, Hazards Assessment.

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2.2.2 ASSESS VULNERABILITIES
Hazard profiling exposed the unique characteristics of individual hazards and begins the process of determining which areas within the City are vulnerable to specific hazard events. The vulnerability assessment included input from the LHMP Planning Team and a GIS overlaying method for hazard risk assessments. Using these methodologies, critical facilities and facilities of concern impacted by hazards were identified and potential loss estimates were determined, where available. The vulnerability assessments for each hazard are provided in Section 4.0.

2.3 DEVELOP MITIGATION PLAN

2.3.1 IDENTIFY GOALS
Mitigation goals were identified to guide the specific mitigation actions aimed at reducing risk and preventing loss associated with natural and human-induced hazards.

The Mitigation goals are presented in Section 1.5, Mitigation Goals.

2.3.2 DEVELOP CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT
A capabilities assessment is a comprehensive review of all the various mitigation capabilities and tools currently available to the City to implement the mitigation actions prescribed in the LHMP. The LHMP Planning Team identified the planning and regulatory; administrative and technical; financial; and education and outreach capabilities to implement mitigation actions, as detailed in Section 5.0, Hazard Mitigation Strategy.

2.3.3 IDENTIFY MITIGATION ACTIONS
As part of the LHMP planning process, the LHMP Planning Team worked to identify and develop mitigation actions, after which they were prioritized as high, medium, or low. The process began with the Planning Team identifying issues or concerns associated with the profiled hazards and potential ways in which the issue or concern could be addressed.

During this process, the capabilities assessment was also referenced to better understand if the capability already existed and needed to be expanded, or if the capability was not currently available. Mitigation actions developed as part of the previous unapproved plan were also considered. A detailed discussion of the identification and prioritization of mitigation actions is provided in Section 5.0, Hazard Mitigation Strategy.

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2.3.4 PLAN REVIEW AND REVISION
As previously noted, once the draft LHMP was completed, a public review period was provided from February 3, 2023 to March 31, 2023, to allow public review and comments.

Comments received on the draft LHMP were reviewed and the LHMP was revised, as appropriate.

2.3.5 PLAN ADOPTION AND SUBMITTAL
This plan will be submitted to Cal OES and FEMA for review. Upon receiving “approvable pending adoption” notification from FEMA, this plan will be presented to the City Council for their consideration. If approved, a copy of the resolution will be provided in Appendix A.

2.3.6 PLAN MAINTENANCE
Plan maintenance procedures, found in Section 6.0, Plan Maintenance, include the measures the City will take to ensure the LHMP’s continuous long-term implementation.

The procedures also include the manner in which the LHMP will be regularly monitored, reported upon, evaluated, and updated to remain a current and meaningful planning document.

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Section 3.0 | Community Profile

3.1 PHYSICAL SETTING
The City of Laguna Hills is located in the San Joaquin Hills in southern Orange County, approximately 60 miles south of Los Angeles and 70 miles north of San Diego; refer to Figure 3-1, Regional Location Map. The City is comprised of 4,234 acres (6.6 square miles), all of which is located within the City’s incorporated limits; refer to Figure 3-2, Laguna Hills Planning Area. Since all land surrounding the City is under the jurisdiction of other cities, Laguna Hills does not have a planning sphere of influence or any planning authority outside of its jurisdictional boundaries. Laguna Hills is bounded by the cities of Irvine and Lake Forest to the north; Interstate 5 (I-5) and the cities of Mission Viejo and Lake Forest to the east; the City of Laguna Niguel to the south; and, the cities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Woods to the west. Regional access is provided by I-5 and the San Joaquin Hill Transportation Corridor (State Route 73).

3.2 HISTORY
Laguna Hills is built on one of the major land grants developed during the Rancho Era.

Following Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, those who had served in the government or who had friends in authority, were given vast lands for cattle grazing.

Rancho Lomas de Santiago, Rancho San Joaquin, and Rancho Niguel covered much of the western portion of the Saddleback Valley. Don Juan Avila was granted the 13,000- acre Rancho Niguel on which Laguna Hills is located.

In 1874, Lewis Moulton purchased Rancho Niguel from Don Juan Avila and increased the original grant to 22,000 acres. Moulton and his partner, Jean Piedra Daguerre, used the ranch to raise sheep and cattle. The Moulton Ranch was eventually subdivided in the early 1960s, part of which is recognized as Laguna Hills.

Incorporation efforts began in 1987 and on March 5, 1991, the goal of incorporation was achieved with 86 percent of the residents voting in favor of forming the City of Laguna Hills. On December 20, 1991, Laguna Hills officially became a City. Since incorporation, two annexations have occurred. On November 14, 1995, the City Council approved annexation of the north Laguna Hills area, which became part of the incorporated City on July 1, 1996. The annexation added approximately 755 acres of land with various designations such as residential, mixed-use, commercial, open space and parks. On

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September 18, 2000, the “Westside” Annexation Area officially became part of the incorporated City. The annexation added 149 acres of residential land, which includes the Aliso Viejo Community Association’s Sheep Hills Park. The original incorporation boundaries and two annexation areas form the City’s incorporated boundaries and the Planning Area addressed in this Plan.

3.3 DEMOGRAPHICS
Basic demographic data for Laguna Hills (population, education, employment, and housing) obtained from the US Census 2018-2022 American Community Survey (ACS) is summarized below.1

3.3.1 POPULATION
Table 3-1, Laguna Hills and Orange County Population and Housing Data (2022), provides an overview of the City’s and County’s demographics.

TABLE 3-1: LAGUNA HILLS AND ORANGE COUNTY POPULATION AND HOUSING DATA (2022) Category Laguna Hills Orange County
Total Population 31,170 3,175,227
Percent of Residents that are children (under 18 years) 18.7% 21.4% Percent of Residents that are senior citizens (65 and over) 19.8% 15.4% Median Age (years) 43.8 38.7
Median Household Income $122,902 $109,361
Median House Value $861,800 $862,900
Occupied Housing Units 11,525 1,066,286
Percent of Renter Occupied 29.3% 43.5%
Source: US Census American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2018-2022.

Laguna Hills 2022 estimated population was 31,170 residents. When compared to Orange County, the City has a higher household income and home ownership rate. The City has a lower percentage of residents under 18 and a higher percentage of residents over 65 when compared to the County. The median age of City residents was 43.8, higher than the median age of Orange County residents at 38.7. Approximately 18.7 percent of the population was below the age of 18 and approximately 19.8 percent was above the age of 65.
1 The 2018-2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates is the most current 5-year data profile available. It represents 60 months of collected data and provides the most reliable and largest data set.

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County Boundary
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Sources: Orange County GIS; LAFCO; California State Geoportal. Map date: December 9, 2021.

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS

LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
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Al iso
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Figure 3-2. Laguna Hills Planning Area
Legend
City of Laguna Hills
Other Incorporated Area
Sources: Orange County GIS; ArcGIS Online World
Imagery Map Service. Map date: December 9, 2021.
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A greater percentage of Laguna Hills residents identify as white when compared to the County; refer to Table 3-2, Laguna Hills and Orange County Racial and Ethnic Composition (2022). Hispanic or Latino persons of any race constitute 19.9% percent of the City’s residents compared to 33.9 percent of County residents. Asians make up 16.7 percent of the population. Persons identifying as “other race” account for 9.4 percent of the population, while those reporting two or more races make up 11.7 percent of the City’s population.

TABLE 3-2: LAGUNA HILLS AND ORANGE COUNTY RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION (2022) Category
Laguna Hills Orange County
Population Percentage
of Population Population Percentage of Population
White 18,928 60.7% 1,594,137 50.2%
Black or African American 320 1% 53,753 1.7%
American Indian and Alaskan
Native 90 0.3% 19,759 0.6%
Asian 5,217 16.7% 688,905 21.7%
Native Hawaiian and Other
Pacific Islander 44 0.1% 9,847 0.3%
Other Race 2,934 9.4% 427,775 13.5%
Two or More Races 3,637 11.7% 381,051 12.0%
Hispanic or Latino (of any
race)1
6,206 19.9% 1,077,367 33.9%
Total 31,170 100% 3,175,227 100%
Source: US Census American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2018-2022.

1. Hispanic or Latino persons are not counted as a separate racial or ethnic category; persons who identify as Hispanic or Latino are also included in other racial or ethnic categories.

3.3.2 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
When compared to the County, Laguna Hills residents have a higher level of education attainment; refer to Table 3-3, Laguna Hills and Orange County Educational Attainment (2022). Of the City’s population that is 25 years or older, 17.5 percent attained a graduate or professional degree, 35.1 percent attained a bachelor’s degree, and 8.8 percent attained an associate degree. Approximately 6.4 percent of adults in Laguna Hills have not completed high school compared to 13.2 percent of adults in the County.

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TABLE 3-3: LAGUNA HILLS AND ORANGE COUNTY EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (2022) Educational Attainment
(25 years and older)
Laguna Hills Orange County
Population Percentage
of Population Population Percentage of Population
Less than 9th Grade 768 3.3% 160,388 7.3%
9th to 12th Grade, no diploma 724 3.1% 129,070 5.9%
High School Graduate 3,054 13.2% 379,318 17.3%
Some College, No Degree 4,349 18.8% 421,273 19.2%
Associate Degree 2,038 8.8% 167,810 7.6%
Bachelor’s Degree 8,113 35.1% 591,937 26.9%
Graduate or Professional
Degree
4,052 17.5% 347,881 15.8%
Total 23,098 100% 2,197,677 100%
Source: US Census American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2018-2022.

3.3.3 EMPLOYMENT
Of the 25,931 residents over 16 years of age, 17,063 were in the labor force. Out of the 17,063 people in the labor force, 16,163 (62.3 percent) were employed and 855 (3.3 percent) were unemployed. The educational services and health care/social services sector employed the largest number of City residents (18.3 percent), followed by professional scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services (16.1 percent) and finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (12.6 percent). The median household income in the City was $122,902 . While approximately

18.0 percent of employees work from home, a majority of Laguna Hills’ residents commute outside of the City for work. The average commute travel time is 25.7 minutes.

3.3.4 HOUSING
In 2022, there were 11,525 housing units (i.e., households)2 in Laguna Hills; refer to Table 3- 4, Laguna Hills and Orange County Household Characteristics (2022). The most prevalent type of housing within Laguna Hills is single-family detached units, consisting of approximately 55.7 percent of the housing stock. Most of the housing was built between 1970 and 2001 (SCAG, 2021). The California Department of Finance estimates an average household size of 2.84 persons per household (DOF, 2021). 2 The count of occupied housing units is the same as the count of households; see https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/definitions.pdf

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TABLE 3-4: LAGUNA HILLS AND ORANGE COUNTY HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS (2022) Household Type Laguna Hills Orange County
Population Percent Population Percent
Families 7,985 69.3% 754,132 70.7%
With children 3,099 26.9% 348,049 32.6%
Single Persons 2,741 23.8% 230,727 21.6%
65 Years and Older 1,021 8.9% 99,215 9.3%
Non-family 3,540 30.7% 312,154 29.3%
Total Households 11,525 100% 1,066,286 100%
Average Household Size 2.65 2.93
Average Family Size 3.18 3.44
Source: US Census American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2018-2022.

3.3.5 HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
In Laguna Hills, families constituted 69.3 percent of the 11,525 households in the City, a proportion slightly less than in Orange County (70.7 percent). Families with children represented 26.9 percent of households in Laguna Hills and 32.6 percent in Orange County. Single-person households represented 23.8 percent of households in Laguna Hills, while there was a similar proportion of single-person households in Orange County (21.6 percent).

Household size identifies sources of population growth and household overcrowding. In general, a city’s average household size will increase over time if there is a trend toward larger families. In communities where the population is aging, the average household size may decline. The average household size for Laguna Hills in the 2018-2022 period was

2.65, which was lower than Orange County, with an average household size of 2.93.

3.4 GENERAL PLAN LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT
Development of the City is guided by its General Plan. The Laguna Hills General Plan assigns land use designations to all land located within its incorporated boundaries; refer to Figure 3-3, General Plan Land Use Map. Table 3-5, Land Use Designations, identifies the current General Plan land use designations and descriptions of the typical uses allowed in each designation. Table 3-6, Laguna Hills Development Capacity (2030), identifies the General Plan development capacity for the City.

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Muirlands Blvd
Glenwood Dr
Jeronimo Rd
La Paz Rd
Avenida De La Carlota
Laguna H ills Dr
Ridge Route Dr
El Toro Rd
Al iso
Creek Rd
Cabot Rd
Wood Canyon Dr
Rockfield Blvd
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Muirlands Blvd
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Figure 3-3.

General Plan Land Use Map
Legend
City of Laguna Hills
Other Incorporated
ER: Estate Residential
LD: Low Density
Residential
MLD: Medium-Low Density
Residential
MD: Medium Density
Residential
HD: High Density
Residential
PC: Planned Community
VC: Village Commercial
FC: Freeway Commercial
CC: Community
Commercial
OP: Office Professional
MU: Mixed Use
P/I: Public/Institutional
OS: Open Space
PK: Park
Sources: Orange County GIS; City of Laguna Hills. Map date: December 9,2021. 0 O
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TABLE 3-5: LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
Land Use
Maximum
DUs/Net Acre or
Maximum
FAR/Net Acre
Summary Description of Land Use
Designation
Residential Land Use
Estate Residential (ER) 0-3.5 du/ac Estate Residential provides for low density, rural and equestrian-oriented, single-family
residential neighborhoods in hillside areas.

This designation is typified by large lot singlefamily homes that permit the keeping of large animals.

Low Density Residential (LD) 3.0-6.5 du/ac Low Density Residential provides for low density single-family detached residential
neighborhoods. This designation is typified by
medium to large lot single-family homes.

Medium-Low Density
Residential (MLD)

6.5-12.5 du/ac Medium-Low Density Residential provides for medium-low density attached or detached
residential neighborhoods. This designation
is typified by small lot single-family homes,
patio homes, duplexes, condominiums, and
townhomes.

Medium Density Residential
(MD)

12.5-18.0 du/ac Medium Density Residential provides for medium density multi-family residential
neighborhoods. This designation is typified
by condominiums and apartments.

High Density Residential (HD) 18.0-30.0 du/ac High Density Residential provides for intensive residential development
compatible with surrounding urban
development. This designation is typified by
apartments and residential condominiums.

Planned Community Land Use
Planned Community (PC)* 0.5-18.0 du/ac;

0.75 FAR
Planned Community provides for a wide
range of housing types, from estates on large
lots to attached dwelling units (townhomes,
condominiums, and clustered
arrangements). This category permits the
greatest flexibility for residential
development. It also provides for highintensity mixed use development.

Appropriate land uses include but are not
limited to residential, commercial, office,
industrial park, civic, cultural, educational
facility, and childcare facilities. This
category is intended to facilitate a more
efficient use of existing and future
transportation systems, conserve energy
resources, and develop residential densities

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Land Use
Maximum
DUs/Net Acre or
Maximum
FAR/Net Acre
Summary Description of Land Use
Designation
that enhance the availability to provide
affordable housing. The designation is
characterized by a diversity of housing
opportunities. The Planned Community
district is located adjacent to major
transportation corridors and is accessible to
public transit facilities. A goal of this
category is to foster around-the-clock
activity by encouraging the mixing of
activities thereby reducing the impacts on
the transportation system.

Planned Community
Residential (PCR)*
Maximum total
600 dwelling
units
Planned Community Residential provides for
a wide range of medium-low density to high
density multi-family housing types, which
include apartments, attached townhomes,
condominiums, and clustered multi-family
arrangements. Appropriate land uses
include residential and 10 to 13 acres of
recreational land uses such as parks and
open space.

Commercial Land Use
Village Commercial (VC)* No FAR
restrictions
Max 50 du/ac
The Village Commercial designation is
envisioned as a master planned area (Urban
Village Specific Plan area) containing
specific design standards and policies that
enhance pedestrian and vehicle circulation
within the currently developed area. The
intent of this designation is to establish a
community core where commercial, civic,
and high density residential uses would be
appropriate. The area will contain
enhanced pedestrian areas that
conveniently link commercial, residential,
and civic activity areas. Typical uses include
those associated with large regional malls,
as well as a medical center, financial
institutions, institutional and government
uses, auto-related services, community
facilities, professional offices, and high
density residential uses.

Freeway Commercial (FC) 0.40 FAR The Freeway Commercial designation provides for the development and
maintenance of medium intensity
commercial uses that serve the needs of the

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Land Use
Maximum
DUs/Net Acre or
Maximum
FAR/Net Acre
Summary Description of Land Use
Designation
motoring public in the local community and
the regional area. This designation is
intended to provide an environment that
takes advantage of the superior access and
visibility provided by I-5. Typical uses include
those uses allowed under the Community
Commercial designation, restaurants,
discount warehouse outlets, service stations,
and hotels and motels.

Community Commercial
(CC)

0.35 FAR The Community Commercial designation
provides appropriately located areas for the
general shopping and commercial service
needs of area residents. Typical uses include
general retail, markets, commercial services,
restaurants, automotive repair and service,
hardware and home improvement centers,
commercial recreation, professional and
business offices, financial institutions, and
automotive sales.

Office Land Uses
Office Professional (OP) 0.50 FAR The Office Professional designation provides for the establishment of office-based
working environments for administrative and
professional offices, as well as necessary
support uses. Typical uses include
administrative and professional offices,
business-related retail and service functions,
health care facilities, and vocational and
trade schools.

Mixed-Use Land Uses
Mixed-Use (MXU) 0.38 FAR
Max 20 du/ac
The Mixed-Use designation provides for
areas where a variety of goods and services
can be obtained within an overall planned
environment. Within the Mixed-Use
designation, appropriate land uses include
limited industrial and manufacturing uses,
administrative and professional uses,
institutional and government uses, business
support uses, auto-related uses, eating and
drinking establishments, personal services,
and retail sales of durable goods and
general retail sales, and residential uses.

Neighborhood Mixed-Use
(NMU)

0.38 FAR (0.30
non-residential
The Neighborhood Mixed-Use designation
provides areas for a variety of different,

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Land Use
Maximum
DUs/Net Acre or
Maximum
FAR/Net Acre
Summary Description of Land Use
Designation
FAR and 0.08
residential FAR)
compatible land uses to exist in proximity.

The intent of the Neighborhood Mixed Use
designation is to create attractive
neighborhood-level centers that promote a
more active, vibrant street life; increase
pedestrian activity and reduce vehicular
traffic; provide storefront style shopping
streets; that provide a variety of compact,
multi-family housing types close to jobs and
services; and/or encourage walking and
social interaction. Within the Neighborhood
Mixed-Use designation, appropriate land
uses include mid-box anchors; administrative
and professional uses; grocery and specialty
stores; business support uses; eating and
drinking establishments; cinemas; personal
services; residential condos, apartments,
and townhomes; and mixed-use structures.

Public/Institutional Land Uses
Public/Institutional (P/I)* 1.0 FAR The Public/Institutional designation provides areas to conduct public and institution
activities, including local, State, and federal
agencies; special districts; public and
private utilities; and regional institutions.

Appropriate uses include City facilities;
public and private schools; fire and sheriff
stations; hospitals; libraries; post offices; and
other public, quasi-public, and institutional
uses.

Recreation Land Uses
Parks (P) No FAR
restrictions
The Park designation provides for
recreational facilities, as well as to protect
public health and safety. Park designations
consist of active and passive parks. Active
parks generally contain ball fields, play
equipment, restrooms; and biking, hiking,
and equestrian trails. Community gardens
may also be considered for some parks.

Open Space (OS) Not intended
for
development
The Open Space designation provides for
the preservation of environmental resources,
aesthetic attributes, outdoor recreation,
buffering of incompatible land uses, and the
protection of public health and safety. No
density or intensity standard is applied to this

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Land Use
Maximum
DUs/Net Acre or
Maximum
FAR/Net Acre
Summary Description of Land Use
Designation
designation. Areas designated as Open
Space include creek corridors, utility
corridors, publicly maintained open space,
and open space reserves and preserves.

Source: City of Laguna Hills, General Plan Land Use Element. * Residential development allowed within this land use designation.

TABLE 3-6: LAGUNA HILLS DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY (2030)
Land Use Category Existing Planned Anticipated Net
Change by 2030
Nonresidential
Retail (square feet) 2,567,450 3,119,780 528,830
Office (square feet) 1,856,570 2,260,940 415,170
Business Park (square feet) 1,496,620 1,571,450 74,830
Nonresidential Subtotal (square feet) 5,920,640 6,952,170 1,031,530 Hotel (rooms) 212 462 250
Residential
Single-family (dwelling units) 6,194 6,201 7
Multi-family (dwelling units) 4,992 5,442 450
Residential Subtotal (dwelling units) 11,186 11,643 457 Public/Institutional
Public/Government/Civic (square
feet) 331,720 331,720 0
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation (acreage) 133.94 144.68* 10.74*
Open Space
Open Space (acreage) 413.10 410.83 -2.27
Source: City of Laguna Hills, General Plan EIR 2009.
*Estimate 10-13 acres in Via Lomas Opportunity Area

3.5 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
The City of Laguna Hills is an urbanized community that is primarily developed and considered built out, with few vacant sites available for development. New development within the City over the past five years has been minimal and consists primarily of infill development on existing underutilized sites.

The SCAG 6th Cycle Final Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation Plan was approved in March 2021 and identifies housing growth by county and city to

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accommodate projected population growth needs. The RHNA Allocation for Laguna Hills is outlined in Table 3-7, Laguna Hills RHNA Allocation (2021-2029).

TABLE 3-7: LAGUNA HILLS RHNA ALLOCATION (2021-2029)
Income Category 2021-2029 RHNA
Very Low 568
Low 353
Moderate 354
Above Moderate 710
Total 1,985
Source: SCAG RHNA, 2021.

As shown in Table 3-7, the RHNA plan allocated 1,985 new housing units to Laguna Hills for the October 2021 through October 2029 planning period. Although the City is required to provide adequate land to accommodate the 1,985 new housing units, the City is not required to build housing. The City updated its Housing Element (2021-2029 Housing Element) to accommodate its RHNA allocation in 2022. The City subsequently initiated minor revisions to the 2021-2029 Housing Element to address comments provided by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), as well as minor amendments to the City’s Land Use Element, zoning text and zoning map, and new objective design standards, in order to implement the Housing Element. The amended 2021-2029 Housing Element, rezoning program, and objective design standards were adopted in 2024.

According to the General Plan Land Use Element and Housing Element, future residential and mixed-use development is anticipated to occur on infill sites primarily within the Urban Village Specific Plan (UVSP) area (discussed in detail below); North Business Park, located in the northern portion of the City (generally bounded by Lake Forest Drive on the north, Avenida de La Carlota on the east, Ridge Route Drive on the south, and Mill Creek Drive on the west); Via Lomas planned community, located in the in the west central portion of the City; and Alicia Gateway, located in the central-eastern portion of the City (along Alicia Parkway near the intersection of Hon Avenue, just west of I-5).

In addition to potential housing development associated with implementation of the City’s Housing Element, there is the potential for additional non-residential development to occur within the City. The City is primarily developed with minimal vacant sites for development; therefore, development would likely occur within underutilized sites or associated with redevelopment of currently developed sites.

The Urban Village Specific Plan (UVSP), adopted in November 2002, is a 240-acre area bounded by Paseo de Valencia on the north and west, Los Alisos Boulevard on the south,

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and Interstate 5 on the east. The UVSP provides for a continuing mixture of land uses, including retail, residential hotel, medical offices, and general offices. The UVSP area is designated in the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance as Village Commercial (VC).

All new development within the Village Commercial district is subject to the UVSP. The purpose of the UVSP area is to develop an urban core in which a variety of public, regional commercial, recreational, and high-density residential uses work in concert to create an urban village.

In March 2016, the City approved a plan for the renovation of the Laguna Hills Mall, an approximately 68-acre subarea located within the UVSP, which included approximately 880,000 square feet of new and renovated commercial retail space, movie theaters, restaurants, and 988 residential units. The approved plan was known as Five Lagunas.

Subsequently, the property owner of Five Lagunas, Merlone Geier Partners (MGP), informed City staff that they could not move forward with the approved 2016 plan because they did not think the market would support the approved Five Lagunas project.

Since then, several revised configurations have been discussed for the project, renamed as The Village at Laguna Hills. On March 8, 2022, the City approved the proposed modification to the previous 2016 Five Laguna Project development approval. The Village at Laguna Hills Proposed 2021 Project would allow for up to 250,000 square feet of commercial, retail restaurant, cinema and health club uses, up to 465,000 square feet of office, up to 1,500 residential units and a hotel with 100-150 rooms.

3.6 INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
Infrastructure systems within the City, such as roadways, water and wastewater facilities, electricity, and natural gas, provide vital community and individual functions. These facilities and distribution systems are primarily owned, operated, and maintained by other agencies. The ability for infrastructure systems to remain operational during hazard events and emergencies will contribute to the City’s ability to withstand or recover sooner from hazard events.

3.6.1 TRANSPORTATION
Regional access is provided via the I-5, and State Route 73 (SR-73). I-5 travels in a northsouth direction east of the City, then passes through the northern portion of the City, while SR-73 travels in a north-south direction west of the City, connecting with neighboring south Orange County cities. According to the City’s General Plan, there are seven major arterial roadways providing primary ingress and egress in the City: Alicia Parkway, El Toro Road, Lake Forest Drive, Los Alisos Boulevard, Moulton Parkway, Oso Parkway, and Paseo

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de Valencia (El Toro Road to La Paz Road). Inspection and maintenance of the City’s transportation facilities are critical to ensuring their protection against disasters, such as earthquakes.

3.6.2 WATER AND WASTEWATER
Laguna Hills is served by two water providers: El Toro Water District (ETWD) and Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD). These services are provided in the northern portion of the City by the ETWD and in the southern portion of the City by the MNWD. The division line runs through a neighborhood north of Alicia Parkway and south of Aliso Creek. Several major water lines run through or near Laguna Hills. The Joint Regional Transmission Main, Eastern Transmission Main, and Central Intertie Pipeline traverse through the City. The South County Pipeline, jointly owned by Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) and the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) runs to the east of the City, but could result in potential flooding damage within the City if it is compromised.

ETWD operates 12 different pressure zones, six reservoirs, eight pump stations, 19 pressure reducing stations and manages 180 miles of water mains with approximately 9,500 service connections (Arcadis, 2021). MNWD’s system consists of 655 miles of potable water distribution pipelines, 25 pump stations, and 13 potable water pressure reducing stations and flow control facilities, as well as 141 miles of recycled mainline, 12 recycled water pump stations, and 13 recycled water pressure reducing stations (MNWD, 2021).

ETWD and MNWD are members of MWDOC. MWDOC is a member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Nearly all MWDOC water supply is purchased from MWD, which imports the water from the Colorado River Aqueduct (a small portion comes from Northern California through the State Water Project).

Since a majority of the City’s water supplies are transported from outside of the area, damage to water conveyance systems in and outside of the area could interfere with the ability to provide water to the City.

ETWD and MNWD are also responsible for the collection of wastewater within the City.

ETWD’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 158 miles of sewer pipelines and 11 sewer lift stations. Almost all the wastewater generated within ETWD’s service area is conveyed to its Water Recycling Plant (WRP) where it is treated and either used for irrigation or disposed of through South Orange County Wastewater Authority’s (SOCWA’s) effluent transmission main and ocean outfall. SOCWA is a joint powers agency comprised of ten governmental agencies, which operates three regional

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treatment plants and two ocean outfalls. A small portion of flow on the southeast side of ETWD is conveyed directly to the MNWD collection system. MNWD’s wastewater system consists of approximately 540 miles of wastewater collection pipelines and 19 lift stations.

MNWD operates its own wastewater treatment plant, Plant 3A, and is a member of SOCWA. Water reclaimed by both ETWD and MNWD is used for irrigation purposes only.

Damage to wastewater conveyance infrastructure and treatment facilities could occur as a result of a hazard event. Depending upon the nature and extent of the damage, a leak in a sewer pipe could pose a risk to the community’s health and the environment and damage to a treatment facility could reduce capacity at the facility.

ETWD and MNWD are participating agencies in the Orange County Regional Water and Wastewater Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The MJHMP is comprised of the primary plan and 19 jurisdiction-specific annexes. ETWD and MNWD have identified mitigation actions to reduce the risk of damage to water and wastewater facilities and improve overall resiliency of their infrastructure systems and operations.

3.6.3 ELECTRICITY
Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) provide electricity to Laguna Hills. Electricity is distributed from power plants through power lines and substations. Within Laguna Hills, most powerlines are located underground. Damage to a substation or the larger distribution system outside of the City could result in power loss to the City. More localized power losses can also occur in the event underground transmission lines are damaged.

3.6.4 NATURAL GAS
Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) provides gas service to Laguna Hills. A major gas transmission pipeline runs adjacent to the railroad on the City’s eastern border and passes through the City near La Paz Road and Cabot Road. Other gas transmission pipelines and high pressure (greater than 60 pounds per square inch) gas distribution mains run through other areas of Orange County. Damage to these facilities could interfere with natural gas service in the City. Similarly, more localized disruptions could occur in the event lower pressure distribution mains and smaller service lines connected to the gas meters at homes and businesses are damaged.

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Section 4.0 | Risk and Vulnerability
Assessment

4.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
The first step in developing the risk assessment is identifying the hazards. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidance identifies several hazards that may affect communities. The list of hazards is comprehensive, but not meant to be exhaustive or limit a community from identifying other hazards within their plans. Additionally, a community may not be susceptible to all hazards identified for consideration. In reviewing the County of Orange and Orange County Fire Authority Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (OC LHMP), the California State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), the Laguna Hills General Plan Safety Element, and the FEMA list of hazards, the Planning Team used these documents as a reference point and discussed the potential for a specific hazard to affect the community. The discussion considered previous occurrences within the City and surrounding area and the Planning Team’s professional experience and knowledge. Input from the Transportation Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission further informed the hazards.

Table 4-1, Laguna Hills Hazard Identification, summarizes the Planning Team’s discussion and determination of hazards for inclusion in the LHMP. In addition to discussing with the Planning Team, FEMA’s National Risk Index was reviewed to confirm the City’s risk exposure associated with each natural hazard.

As part of the hazard identification process, the Planning Team determined that some hazards could be combined or included within a larger hazard category. In addition, some hazards were renamed to reflect the specific hazard affecting Laguna Hills.

Therefore, for purposes of the hazard profiles, ground shaking, liquefaction, and landslide are all addressed under the heading of Seismic Hazards. Severe Weather includes heavy winds (Santa Ana winds) and rain events (including El Nino years). Human-induced hazards include hazardous materials spills/releases and cyber threat.

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TABLE 4-1: LAGUNA HILLS HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Hazards
Include
in City
LHMP?
Discussion of Hazard’s Inclusion or Exclusion
Avalanche No Avalanches are not applicable to Laguna Hills.

Climate Change Yes Climate change is not a discrete hazard, but may change the characteristics of a hazard that affects the community, such as frequency and intensity. Climate change is
discussed within each of the applicable hazard profiles.

Coastal Erosion No Not applicable due to distance from the coast.

Coastal Storm No Not applicable due to distance from the coast.

Dam/Reservoir Failure Yes Dams and reservoirs occur within and around the City and their potential failure could impact the City.

Disease/Pest
Management
No The City has not experienced significant disease or pest management issues warranting inclusion within the LHMP.

Drought Yes The City depends on groundwater and imported surface water, both of which are susceptible to drought.

Earthquake Fault
Rupture
No There are no faults located within or immediately adjacent to the City. Hazards associated with earthquake ground
shaking are addressed within Seismic Hazards.

Expansive Soils No Expansive soils are not a significant concern within the City.

Extreme Heat No Extreme heat conditions are rare within Laguna Hills. Climate change and the potential to contribute to the severity of a hazard is addressed within the applicable hazard profiles (e.g., drought, wildfires)
Flood Yes FEMA-identified floodplains associated with creeks are located within the City. Localized flooding, typically during heavy rain events, has also occurred and resulted in
damage.

Geological Hazards Yes Geological hazards that occur within the City are primarily associated with landslides, mudflows, and slope instability.

These are addressed under Seismic and Geologic Hazards.

Hailstorm No The City does not typically experience significant hailstorms.

Hazardous Materials Yes Hazardous materials are not generated within the City.

Potential impacts associated with hazardous materials are more likely associated with a hazardous material spill along major transportation routes. Hazardous materials
spill/release is addressed under Human-induced Hazards.

Human-induced
Hazards
Yes Human-induced hazards, including hazardous materials spill/release and cyber threat have been identified for inclusion within the LHMP.

Hurricane No Hurricanes do not occur within the City.

Land Subsidence No Land subsidence is not a significant concern within the City.

Landslide and
Mudflow
Yes Portions of the City are located within areas identified as having a potential to experience seismic-induced
landslides. Additionally, due to the topography of the City,

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Hazards
Include
in City
LHMP?
Discussion of Hazard’s Inclusion or Exclusion
there is the potential for slope instability and mudflows. These topics are addressed within Seismic and Geologic Hazards.

Lightning No The City does not typically experience significant lightning events resulting in damage.

Liquefaction Yes Portions of the City are located within areas identified as having the potential for liquefaction. Liquefaction is
addressed under Seismic Hazards.

Sea-Level Rise No Not applicable due to distance from the coast.

Seismic Hazards Yes The City is located within an area of southern California susceptible to earthquake ground shaking and associated seismic hazards, including liquefaction. These topics are addressed within Seismic and Geologic Hazards.

Severe Winter Storm Yes The City does not typically experience severe winter storms.

However, Laguna Hills does experience heavy rain events with extended durations. Within the LHMP, heavy rains
events are addressed under the hazard category Severe
Weather.

Tornado No Tornadoes do not occur within the City.

Tsunami No Not applicable due to distance from the coast.

Volcano No The City is not located within an active volcano area.

Wildfire Yes Although the City is not located within an area identified as having high fire hazard areas, there are areas adjacent to the City and within the surrounding region that have been identified as very high fire hazard severity zones. Wildfire and Urban Fire will be profiled within the LHMP.

Wind Yes Regular wind does not occur within the City. The City experiences high wind events associated with Santa Ana
wind conditions. Within the LHMP, these events are
addressed under the hazard category Severe Weather.

Windstorm Yes The City experiences high wind events associated with Santa Ana wind conditions. Within the LHMP, these events are
addressed under the hazard category Severe Weather.

Source: City of Laguna Hills, 2022; FEMA National Risk Index.

Climate change is not a stand-alone hazard but has the potential to exacerbate other natural hazards in the City. As such, the Planning Team determined it would be best to discuss climate change considerations within each applicable hazard profile. Similarly, power outage (both planned and unplanned) could occur as a result of several hazards, resulting in secondary impacts within the community. Power outage is discussed in detail in the Severe Weather Profile and is also cross referenced in other relevant hazard profiles.

The following hazards are discussed within the LHMP:

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 Climate Change (integrated into each hazard)
 Dam/Reservoir Failure
 Drought
 Flood
 Human-Induced Hazards (hazardous material spills/release, cyber threat)  Seismic and Geologic Hazards (ground shaking, liquefaction, landslide, mudflows, slope instability)
 Severe Weather (heavy rains, Santa Ana wind events)
 Wildfire and Urban Fire

4.2 HAZARD PROFILES
This section contains profiles for the hazards identified as having the potential to occur in Laguna Hills. Each hazard includes a description of the hazard, location of where the hazard may occur, severity of the hazard, history of the hazard, and the probability of the hazard’s future occurrence.

Probability of future occurrences are based on historical frequencies, statistical probabilities, hazard probability maps, and other available information. Probabilities are defined as follows:
 Unlikely – There may or may not have been historic occurrences of the hazard in the community or region and data suggest that occurrences are unlikely. The chance of future occurrences is less than 1 percent each year.  Occasional – There may or may not have been historic occurrences of the hazard in the community or region, but data suggest there is a possibility that the hazard will occur in the community. The chance of future occurrences is between 1 to 10 percent each year.
 Likely – There has been historic occurrences of the hazard in the community or region and data suggest it is likely that the hazard will continue to occur in the community. The chance of future occurrences is between 10 to 90 percent each year.
 Highly likely – There has been historic occurrences of the hazard in the community or region and data suggest it is highly likely to continue to occur in the community.

The chance of future occurrences is 90 percent or above each year.

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4.2.1 DAM/RESERVOIR FAILURE

DESCRIPTION
A dam is an artificial barrier preventing the flow of water or loose solid materials (such as soil or snow) or a barrier built across a watercourse for impounding water. Dam failure is the uncontrolled release of impounded water from behind a dam. Flooding, earthquakes, blockages, landslides, lack of maintenance, improper operation, poor construction, vandalism, and terrorism can all cause a dam to fail. Dam failure causes downstream flooding that can affect life and property.

Reservoirs are defined as an artificial lake, pond, impoundment or tank, used to store water. Reservoirs can be created on the surface by constructing dams to store water.

Additionally, tank reservoirs can be constructed to store water either above ground, on the surface, or below ground. Reservoir failure is the uncontrolled release of impounded water from a reservoir. Similar to dams, flooding, earthquakes, blockages, landslides, lack of maintenance, improper operation, poor construction, vandalism, and terrorism activities can all cause a reservoir to fail. Seismic activity may also cause inundation by the action of a differential movement of a reservoir and the water within, causing shearing or buckling of the reservoir infrastructure.

Dam or reservoir failures are most likely to happen for the following reasons (Association of State Dam Safety Officials, 2021):
 Overtopping, caused by water spilling over the top of a dam; usually a precursor of dam failure because of inadequate spillway design, debris blockage of spillways, or settlement of the dam crest.
 Foundation defects, including settlement and slope instability.  Cracking caused by natural settling of a dam or seismic movements.  Inadequate maintenance and upkeep.
 Piping, when seepage through a dam is not properly filtered, soil particles continue to progress and form sinkholes in the dam.

FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) require all dam owners to develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for warning, evacuation, and post-flood actions. In the event of a major dam failure, mutual aid from all levels of government would be required for an extended period of time. Recovery efforts would include the removal of debris, clearing roadways, demolishing unsafe structures,

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assistance in reestablishing public services, and providing continued care for the affected population.

Dams are regulated by the Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). DSOD ensures dam safety by (DWR 2022):
 Reviewing and approving dam enlargements, repairs, alterations, and removals, and ensuring that the dam appurtenant structures are designed to meet minimum requirements.
 Performing independent analyses to understand dam and appurtenant structures performance, including structural, hydrologic, hydraulic, and geotechnical evaluations.
 Overseeing construction to ensure work is performed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
 Inspecting each dam on an annual basis to ensure it is safe, performing as intended, and not development issues.
 Periodically reviewing the stability of dams and their major appurtenances in light of improved design approaches and requirements, as well as new findings regarding earthquake hazards and hydrologic estimates in California.

DSOD is responsible for assigning each jurisdictional dam a downstream hazard potential.

The downstream hazard potential is based on potential downstream impacts to life and property should the dam fail when operating with a full reservoir. The downstream hazard is not related to the condition of the dam or the likelihood of the dam to fail in either the short- or long-term. Dams in southern California usually do not operate at full capacity at all times of the year, and thus hazard risks and classifications are a worst-case scenario assessment. The DSOD definitions for downstream hazards are borrowed from the Federal Guidelines for Inundation Mapping of Flood Risks Associated with Dam Incidents and Failures. FEMA categorizes the downstream hazard potential into three categories – low, significant and high – DSOD adds a fourth category of extremely high (DWR 2021):
 Low: No probable loss of human life and low economic and environmental losses.

Losses are expected to be principally limited to the owner’s property.  Significant: No probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, impacts to critical facilities, or other significant impacts.  High: Expected to cause loss of at least one human life.

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 Extremely High: Expected to cause considerable loss of human life or would result in an inundation area with a population of 1,000 or more.

DSOD uses the US Army Corps of Engineer’s National Inventory NID’s condition assessment rating definition as a guideline in assigning condition assessments. A dam safety deficiency is defined as a load capacity limit or other issue that can result in a failure of the dam or appurtenant structure. It is a characteristic or condition that does not meet the applicable minimum regulatory criteria. Conditions assessment definitions are as follows:

Satisfactory No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized.

Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Typical Circumstances:
 No existing deficiencies or potentially unsafe conditions are recognized, with the exception of minor operational and maintenance items that require attention.
 Safe performance is expected under all loading conditions including the design earthquake and design flood.
 Permanent risk reduction measures (reservoir restrictions, spillway modifications, operating procedures, etc.) have been
implemented to eliminate identified deficiencies.

Fair No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum applicable state or federal criteria.

Other Circumstances:
 Lack of maintenance requires attention to prevent developing safety concerns.
 Maintenance conditions may exist that require remedial action greater than routine work and/or secondary studies or
investigations.
 Interim or permanent risk reduction measures may be under consideration.

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Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. Poor may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Other Circumstances:
 Dam has multiple deficiencies or a significant deficiency that requires remedial work.
 Lack of maintenance (erosion, sinkholes, settlement, cracking, unwanted vegetation, animal burrows, inoperable outlet gates) has affected the integrity or the operation of the dam under normal operational conditions and requires remedial action to resolve.  Critical design information is needed to evaluate the potential performance of the dam. For example, a field observation or a review of the dam’s performance history has identified a question that can only be answered by review of the design and
construction history for the dam. Uncertainty arises when there is no design and/or construction documentation available for review and additional analysis is needed to better understand the risk associated with operation under normal operational conditions.  Interim or permanent risk reduction measures may be under consideration.

Unsatisfactory A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Typical Circumstances:
 A critical component of the dam has deteriorated to
unacceptable condition or failed.
 A safety inspection indicates major structural distress (excessive uncontrolled seepage, cracks, slides, sinkholes, severe deterioration, etc.), advanced deterioration, or operational deficiencies which could lead to failure of the dam or its appurtenant structures under normal operating conditions.  Reservoir restrictions or other interim risk reduction measures are required.
 A partial or complete reservoir drawdown may be mandated by the state or federal regulatory agency.

Not Rated The dam has not been inspected, is not under state jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

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LOCATION AND EXTENT
Critical dams and reservoirs within the City of Laguna Hills and surrounding area are listed in Table 4-2, Dams and Reservoirs. DSOD’s downstream hazard potential and condition assessment for each dam and reservoir are also provided in Table 4-2. Should any of the reservoirs or water tanks fail, persons and property in Laguna Hills could be subjected to inundation, flooding, and/or erosion.

TABLE 4-2: DAMS AND RESERVOIRS
Name Type Jurisdiction; Location
Downstream
Hazard
Potential
Condition
Assessment
Veeh Reservoir Reservoir Lake Hills Community
Church; Laguna Hills High Satisfactory
Rossmoor No. 1 Dam El Toro Water District;
Laguna Woods High Satisfactory
Sulphur Creek Dam County of Orange;
Laguna Niguel High Satisfactory
Upper Oso Reservoir Reservoir
Santa Margarita Water
District; County of
Orange
Extremely High Satisfactory
El Toro Reservoir Reservoir El Toro Water District;
Mission Viejo Extremely High Satisfactory
Lake Mission Viejo Reservoir
Lake Mission Viejo
Association, Inc; Mission
Viejo
Extremely High Satisfactory
Upper Chiquita
Reservoir Reservoir
Santa Margarita Water
District; Rancho Santa
Margarita
Extremely High Satisfactory
Galivan Retarding
Basin
Flood
Control
El Toro Water District;
Laguna Niguel Low Satisfactory
Source: City of Laguna Hills General Plan, Orange County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams.

The geographic extent from dam or reservoir failure is dependent on the type of infrastructure and amount of water stored at the time of the hazard incident.

Development of maps that show inundation areas in the event of dam failure is the responsibility of the dam’s owner. Inundation maps have been prepared as part of the EAP effort through DSOD and Cal OES. Small areas of the City are located within dam inundation areas; refer to Figure 4-1, Dam Inundation Areas. Inundation areas primarily occur around Veeh Reservoir and Rossmoor No. 1 Dam within the northernmost portion of the City, which include, but are not limited to, residential uses. Along the eastern boundary, adjacent to the I-5 freeway, small portions of the City are located within inundation areas associated with El Toro Reservoir, Lake Mission Viejo and the Upper Oso

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Reservoir. The inundation areas do not contain residential uses. Water from Sulphur Creek Reservoir in Laguna Niguel and Upper Chiquita Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita would likely not reach the City.

PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES
Laguna Hills (along with the rest of Orange County cities) has never experienced a major dam failure. The closest dam failures to the City occurred in the City of Los Angeles (St.

Francis Dam Disaster of 1928 and Baldwin Hills Dam Disaster of 1963). The City of Westminster in north Orange County experienced a reservoir (tank) failure in 1998 and the Prado Dam experienced minor seepage due to construction activity in 2005. No other incidents have occurred (County of Orange & Orange County Fire Authority, 2021).

PROBABILITY OF FUTURE OCCURRENCES
The primary hazards that could cause failure of the reservoirs and their associated dams are strong earthquake ground shaking, seiche, and liquefaction; however, none of the sites listed in Table 4.2 are in areas associated with known faults or landslides. There has been only one water storage failure in the history of Orange County and no dam or reservoir failures. Over the years, the State of California has implemented stringent standards, regulations, and regular inspections of dam facilities, including after the Oroville Dam crisis in 2017, requiring additional inundation mapping and emergency preparedness planning. The probability of future occurrences of reservoir or dam failure is considered to be unlikely.

CLIMATE CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS
Dam/reservoir failure is not directly correlated to climate change. Dam and reservoir failure could be caused by seismic activity, which is also not caused by climate change.

However, ground failure (due to oversaturated soils) compromising infrastructure integrity or heavy rains overtopping dams could occur. Repetitive severe storm events could increase “wear and tear” and require additional maintenance and infrastructure improvements to protect dam and reservoir integrity and function. Largely, dam and reservoir operations occur outside of climate change and are not directly impacted by climate change conditions.

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Pkwy
Narco Channel
Aliso Creek
Alicia Creek
Oso Creek
Laguna Hills Dr
Canada Channel
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Paseo De Valencia
Crown Valley Pkwy
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Aliso Creek Rd
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Los Alisos Blvd
Aliso Viejo Pkwy
Muirlands Blvd
Glenwood Dr
Jeronimo Rd
La Paz Rd
Avenida De La Carlota
Ridge Route Dr
El Toro Rd
Al iso
Creek Rd
Cabot Rd
Wood Canyon Dr
Rockfield Blvd
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Lake Forest Dr
El Tor o Rd
Trabuco Rd
Santa Maria Ave
Cabot Rd
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L A G U N A N I G U E L

M I S S I O N V I E J O

L A K E F O R E S T

A L I S O V I E J O

L A G U N A W O O D S

I R V I N E
Veeh
El Toro
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Upper Oso
Upper
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Sulphur Creek
Rossmoor No 1
Mission
Viejo,
Lake

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS

LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
Figure 4-1. Dam Inundation Areas
Legend
City of Laguna Hills
Other Incorporated Area
Dam Inundation Areas
!( Critical Facility
!( Facility of Concern
Sources: Orange County GIS; City of Laguna Hills; DWR DSOD. Map date: March 9, 2022. 0 O
¼ ½
Miles

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4.2.2 DROUGHT

DESCRIPTION
Drought in its simplest definition is an extremely dry climatic period where the available water falls below a statistical average for a region. Drought is also defined by factors other than rainfall, including vegetation conditions, agricultural productivity, soil moisture, water levels in reservoirs, and stream flow. Droughts or water shortages are a gradual phenomenon, occurring over multiyear periods and increasing with the length of dry conditions. When precipitation is less than normal for a period, the flow of streams and rivers declines, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall, and the depth to water in wells increases. If dry weather persists and water supply problems develop, the dry period can become a drought. Drought cycles are common in southern California and are influenced by cyclical El Niño and La Niña events.

The term “drought” can have different meanings depending on how a water deficiency affects day to day activities. Drought is a complex natural hazard, which is reflected in the following four definitions commonly used to describe it (NOAH 2021):
 Agricultural – Agricultural drought is defined principally in terms of naturally occurring soil moisture deficiencies relative to water demands of plant life, usually arid crops.
 Hydrological – Hydrological drought is related to the effects of precipitation shortfalls on stream flows and reservoir, lake, and groundwater levels.  Meteorological – Meteorological drought is defined solely on the degree of dryness, expressed as a departure of actual precipitation from an expected average or normal amount based on monthly, seasonal, or annual time scales.  Socioeconomic – Drought associates the supply and demand of economic goods or services with elements of meteorological, hydrologic, and agricultural drought.

Socioeconomic drought occurs when the demand for water exceeds the supply because of weather-related supply shortfall. It may also be called a water management drought.

Although climate is a primary contributor to hydrological drought, other factors such as changes in land use (i.e., deforestation), land degradation, and the construction of dams all affect the hydrological characteristics of a region. Since regions are interconnected by natural systems, the impact of meteorological drought may extend well beyond the borders of the precipitation-deficient area. Changes in land use upstream may alter

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hydrologic characteristics such as infiltration and runoff rates, resulting in more variable stream flow and a higher incidence of hydrologic drought downstream. Land use change is one way human actions alter the frequency of water shortage even when no change in precipitation has been observed (National Drought Mitigation Center, 2021).

Droughts cause public health and safety impacts, as well as economic and environmental impacts. Public health and safety impacts are primarily associated with catastrophic wildfire risks and drinking water shortage risks for small water systems in rural areas and private residential wells. Examples of other impacts include costs to homeowners due to loss of residential landscaping, degradation of urban environments due to loss of landscaping, agricultural land fallowing and associated job loss, degradation of fishery habitat, and tree mortality with damage to forest ecosystems.

Drought conditions can also result in damage to older infrastructure that is located within dry soils with potential to leak or break. Dead or dying vegetation poses a risk to falling and damaging structures and infrastructure systems.

In Orange County, drought conditions typically result in implementation of large-scale conservation efforts, reducing water supplies to customers and altering the pricing system by implementing higher rates for water usage that exceeds certain levels (i.e., wasteful).

Higher rates that may be imposed during a drought could have disproportionate impacts on lower-income households. Reduction in groundwater supplies during drought conditions can also result in the need for water agencies that have high reliance on local groundwater supplies to purchase larger amounts of imported water. Drought conditions have also resulted in drier brush and an increase in the size and severity of wildfires; refer to the Wildfire Hazard Profile for further discussion.

LOCATION AND EXTENT
Droughts are generally widespread events that could easily affect the entire City of Laguna Hills, and the larger Orange County region. The geographic extent of drought conditions could extend to every resident and business owner receiving water from El Toro Water District (ETWD) and Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD), the water suppliers for the City. Both ETWD and MNWD rely on imported water from other regions (e.g., Colorado River and northern California) via aqueducts. As a result, droughts can be caused or made worse by conditions in the regions in which the water originates.

Drought severity depends on numerous factors, including duration, intensity, geographic extent, as well as regional water supply demands by humans and vegetation. The severity of drought can be aggravated by other climatic factors, such as prolonged high winds

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and low relative humidity. The magnitude of drought is usually measured in time and the severity of the hydrologic deficit.

The U.S. Drought Monitor is a map released weekly that indicates the portions of the United States that are experiencing drought and the severity of the drought based on five classifications: abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4); refer to Table 4.3, Drought Severity Classification.

TABLE 4-3: DROUGHT SEVERITY CLASSIFICATION
Category Description Possible Impacts
D0 Abnormally Dry
Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing
planting, growth of crops or pastures. Coming out
of drought: some lingering water deficits pastures
or crops not fully recovered.

D1 Moderate Drought
Some damage to crops, pastures; streams,
reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages
developing or imminent; voluntary water-use
restrictions requested.

D2 Severe Drought Crop or pasture losses likely; water shortages common; water restrictions imposed.

D3 Extreme Drought Major crop/pasture losses; widespread water shortages or restrictions.

D4 Exceptional Drought
Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses;
shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells
creating water emergencies
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor. (2021). What is the USDM. Retrieved November 17, 2021 from https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/About/WhatistheUSDM.aspx.

The Drought Monitor is not a forecast but looks backward; providing a weekly assessment of drought conditions based on how much precipitation did or did not fall. Because drought is a slow-moving hazard, it may take more than one good rainfall to end a drought, especially if an area has been in drought for a long time.

Figure 4-2, Drought Monitor Map, depicts the drought monitor map, which identifies areas of drought and labels them by intensity as shown in Table 4-3. As of June 25, 2024, Orange County is classified as “None” by the U.S. Drought Monitor, meaning the County is not currently experiencing drought conditions.

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FIGURE 4-2: DROUGHT MONITOR MAP

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor. (2024). California. Retrieved June 27, 2024 from https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?CA.

PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES
Although defining drought can be challenging across a large geography, California has experienced numerous severe droughts over the past century. FEMA declared one drought emergency for California in January 1977, and other drought emergency declarations have been declared by the State. According to the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan, from 1950 to 2022, there were 11 drought State Emergency Proclamations in California.1
1 California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan, https://www.caloes.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Hazard-Mitigation/Documents/2023-California-SHMP_Volume1_11.10.2023.pdf, published August 2023, accessed June 4, 2024.

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Table 4-4, Historical Droughts, shows the historical droughts that have occurred in California from 1827 through the present.

TABLE 4-4: HISTORICAL DROUGHTS
Date Area Affected Notes
1827-1916 Statewide
Multiyear: 1827–29, 1843–44, 1856–57, 1863–64
(particularly extreme), 1887–88, 1897–1900,
1912–13.
1917-21 Statewide except central
Sierra Nevada and north coast
Simultaneous in affected areas, 1919–20. Most
extreme in north.
1922–26 Statewide except central
Sierra Nevada
Simultaneous in effect for entire State only during
1924, which was particularly severe.
1928-37 Statewide Simultaneously in effect for entire State, 1929–34.

Longest, most severe in State’s history.
1943–51 Statewide Simultaneously in effect for entire State, 1947–49.

Most extreme in south.
1959–62 Statewide Most extreme in Sierra Nevada and central coast.
1976–77 Statewide, except for
southwestern deserts
Driest 2 years in State’s history. Most severe in
northern two-thirds of State.
1987–92 Statewide Moderate, continuing through 1989. Most extreme in northern Sierra Nevada.
2000-2002 Statewide Most severe in southern California. 2007-2009 Statewide Twelfth driest 3-year period on record at the time. Most severe in western San Joaquin Valley.
2012-17 Statewide Most severe California drought on record. 2021-2023 Statewide
Drought emergency proclamation issued in April
2021 with additional orders May 2021, July 2021,
October 2021 and October 2022. Drought
restrictions eased in March 2023.

Source: Paulson, Chase, Roberts, and Moody, 1991; California Department of Water Resources, 2020; State of California, 2022.

The most severe drought on record began in 2012 and continued through 2017. On January 17, 2014, the governor of California declared a State drought emergency, and on April 1, 2014 the governor announced the first-ever mandatory 25 percent statewide water use reduction and a series of actions to help save water, increase enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, streamline the State’s drought response, and invest in new technologies that would make California more drought resilient. At the time of the announcement, the volume of snowpack in California’s mountains was approximately 20 percent of normal. Despite multiple storms in February 2014, drought conditions persisted. By the end of May 2014, all of California was in a condition of “extreme” or “exceptional” drought. At the same time, the volume of snowpack had decreased to less than 10 percent of normal and water stored in Statewide Reservoirs was at 56 percent

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of normal (California Department of Water Resources, 2020). On April 7, 2017, the governor issued an executive order ending the drought emergency in Southern California, including Orange County.

On October 19, 2021, the governor of California declared a State drought emergency, which added the eight counties, including Orange County (not included within an executive order in July 2021) calling for a voluntary reduction of water use by 15 percent across California (California Governor’s Office, 2021). This declaration followed the second driest year on record and near record low storage in California’s largest reservoirs.

The proclamation requires local water suppliers to implement water shortage contingency plans that are responsive to local conditions and prepare for the possibility of a third dry year. On March 28, 2022, the governor issued an executive order noting continued drought conditions and requiring urban water suppliers to activate, at a minimum, Level 2 of their customized Water Shortage Contingency Plans. These plans, required by State law, are developed by local water agencies to navigate drought and each plan is customized based on an agency’s unique infrastructure and management.

Triggering Level 2 of these plans involves implementing water conservation actions to prepare for a water shortage level of up to 20 percent. For example, in many communities, this would mean reducing the number of days that residents can water outdoors, among other measures. On March 24, 2023, the governor rolled back some drought emergency provisions that were no longer needed due to improving water conditions, while maintaining other measures that support regions and communities still facing water supply challenges, and that continue building up long-term water resilience.

During drought conditions, the City partners with ETWD and MNWD to educate residents and business owners regarding State-mandated water conservation measures. The goal of the ETWD water conservation program is to educate the general public within its service area through the promotion of water awareness, and encouraging where feasible, water conserving measures with an emphasis on conservation in landscape applications and other uses around the exteriors of commercial/industrial buildings and residences (El Toro Water District, 2022). To accomplish this, ETWD has adopted Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for urban water conservation. MNWD similarly provides water efficiency programs and resources, including education programs, landscape and irrigation workshops, water saving tips, and a fix-a-leak guide (Moulton Niguel Water District, 2022). Chapters 9-46 and 9-47 of the City’s Zoning Code includes landscape water use standards, guidelines, and calculations to promote conservation and efficient use of water in the City.

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PROBABILITY OF FUTURE OCCURRENCES
Based on previous occurrences and trends in California, it is anticipated that Laguna Hills will experience drought conditions in the future. The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook depicts large-scale trends based on U.S. Drought Monitor areas (intensities of D1 to D4), as shown in Figure 4-3, U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook. The southern California region, including Laguna Hills, is currently not showing drought tendencies due to the heavy rain season in 2023-2024. While it is not a current concern based on available data, drought is considered to have a high probability for reoccurrence within the City. The probability of future occurrences is considered highly likely.

CLIMATE CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS
Governor Brown’s 2014 drought emergency declaration noted that droughts could occur more regularly into the future. Additionally, Governor Newsom’s 2022 executive order notes that climate change continues to intensify the impacts of droughts. The experiences faced by water supply agencies during the recent and current droughts have prompted actions to examine water storage, distribution, management, conservation, and use policies more closely. Water districts drafted administrative drought actions and implemented mechanisms allowing for administrative consistency and coordination to address drought conditions statewide.

According to the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan, there is a high probability of future drought events in the State, with at least one period of drought occurring somewhere in California every year. Climate scientists studying California find that drought conditions are likely to become more frequent and persistent over the twenty-first Century due to climate change, such as more frequent and extended periods of high temperature conditions. Decreasing snowmelt, reduced precipitation, and higher temperatures are all expected effects of climate change. The California Adaptation Planning Guide states that the pressure climate change places on ground water reliance during times of drought is not sustainable. The Fourth Climate Change Assessment states that California has experienced a succession of dry spells, and with warmer conditions the impacts of these droughts have increased. Additionally, the 2012-2016 drought followed by a very wet winter in 2016-2017 followed by current drought conditions, is further indication of potential continued climate volatility. Increasing populations and increasing demand for water in southern portions of California are anticipated to continue and may result in future challenges associated with drought conditions and climate change for Laguna Hills and other communities.

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FIGURE 4-3: U.S. SEASONAL DROUGHT OUTLOOK
Source: National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. (2024, June). U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook.

Retrieved June 27, 2024 from
https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/season_drought.png.

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4.2.3 FLOOD

DESCRIPTION
Flooding occurs when a waterway, either a natural one or an artificial drainage channel, receives more water than it is capable of conveying, causing the water level in the waterway to rise. Depending on how long these conditions last and the amount of water the waterway receives in proportion to its capacity, the rising water level may eventually overtop the waterway’s banks or any other boundaries to the drainage area, resulting in flooding in the surrounding area.

Floods often occur during heavy precipitation events, when the amount of rainwater exceeds the capacity of storm drains or flood control channels. Floods can also happen when infrastructure such as levees, dams, or culverts fail, or when a section of drainage infrastructure fails, and water cannot be drained from an area fast enough. These failures can be linked to precipitation events (i.e., when water erodes away a levee, allowing water to escape and flood nearby areas), or can be a consequence of other emergency situations (i.e., a dam collapsing due to an earthquake).

FEMA defines flood or flooding as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
 The overflow of inland or tidal waters;
 The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or,
 Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused by flooding and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current.

Floods can be caused by a number of factors, including:
 Weather and climate patterns (e.g., El Niño, La Niña, Pineapple Express, Atmospheric River, etc.)
o El Niño and La Niña are complex weather patterns resulting from variations in ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. Warmer or colder than average ocean temperatures in one part of the world can influence weather around the globe. El Niño and La Niña episodes typically last 9 to 12 months, but some prolonged events may last for years (NOAA, 2021a).

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o Pineapple Express is a name given to an atmospheric river on the West Coast.

It is a channel in the atmosphere that moves vast amounts of moisture and can result in massive showers.
 Hydrologic features such as reservoirs, ponds, lakes, rivers, etc. can have a large impact on the amount of flooding.
 The absorption capacity of the ground depends on the composition of soil and bedrock of the area. Less absorbent soil conditions in addition to lack of proper storm infrastructure can result in flooding.
 Type and density of vegetation is related to absorption of moisture affecting the flow of water.
 Patterns of land use/urbanization relates to the pervious and impervious nature of the ground.
 Expected level, age, and condition of flood management infrastructure will impact flooding conditions.
 Large-scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and ground conditions.

Vegetation absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff. However, wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and mudflow. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored – up to 5 years after a wildfire (FEMA, 2020).

The force of a flood can be enough to carry away large objects and damage structures, causing considerable damage to buildings and infrastructure. In severe instances, floodwaters themselves can destroy structures or move them off their foundation. Floods can saturate and weaken soil, potentially making structures built on them more susceptible to damage or collapse. Flooding can affect water quality, as large volumes of water can transport contaminants into water bodies and overload storm and wastewater systems. Additionally, large increases in water volume can cause water body erosion and loss of aquatic habitat. It can also cause great economic loss to people and government due to the destruction of roads, bridges, farms, businesses, houses, and automobiles.

LOCATION AND EXTENT
Floods have the potential to cause extensive property damage and injury to the community. Orange County’s terrain makes it naturally susceptible to flooding. Many of the rivers, creeks, and streams flow through natural floodplains on their way to the ocean.

The Aliso Creek runs through the middle of the City in a southwesterly direction. The majority of the City lies within the Aliso Creek Watershed, which drains to Aliso Creek; a

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small portion of the southern part of the City is in the San Juan Creek Watershed, which flows to San Juan Creek; and a small portion in the northern part of the City is in the San Diego Creek Watershed, which drains to San Diego Creek (City of Laguna Hills, 2009). The City is responsible for storm drain systems within City boundaries, while the Orange County Flood Control District (OCFCD) is the agency responsible for regional flood control.

Some areas of Laguna Hills are determined to be within a FEMA-designated flood zone.

Flood zones within Laguna Hills are determined by Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), produced by FEMA in partnership with various communities. A FIRM is the official flood map that shows a community’s flood hazard areas. These may include high-hazard (Special Flood Hazard Areas [SFHA]), moderate- to low-hazard areas, and undetermined areas. A SFHA map shows the 100-year floodplain, divided into zones A and AE. A FIRM also includes 500-year floodplains and higher, classified as moderate and minimal risk areas (FEMA, 2021). The extent or magnitude of flooding is measured by percentage and annual chance floods. A 100- and 500-year flood is an event that has a 1 in 100 (1 percent) and 1 in 500 (0.2 percent) chance, respectively, of occurring in any given year.

This data is incorporated into FIRMs to support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and provide the basis for community floodplain management regulations and flood insurance requirements.

A regulatory floodway is a subset of the 100-year floodplain and is defined by FEMA as the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. Communities must regulate development in these floodways to ensure that there are no increases in flood elevations.

Figure 4-4, FEMA Flood Zones, shows the locations of flood zones in Laguna Hills, and Table 4-5, Acreage by FEMA Flood Zones, provides the details and acreage of these zones that occur within the City. Within the Laguna Hills area, potential flooding could occur along Aliso Creek, Veeh Reservoir, Mill Creek, and in an area northwest of Alicia Parkway in the southern portion of the City.

TABLE 4-5: ACREAGE BY FEMA FLOOD ZONES
Flood Risk Area (Acres)
100-Year Flood High 127.37
Regulatory Floodway High 4.30
500-Year Flood Moderate to Minimal 15.27
Source: FEMA, December 8, 2021.

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L A G U N A N I G U E L

M I S S I O N V I E J O

L A K E F O R E S T

A L I S O V I E J O

L A G U N A W O O D S

I R V I N E

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS

LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
Figure 4-4. FEMA Flood Zones
Legend
City of Laguna Hills
Other Incorporated Area
100-Year Flood Zone
Regulatory Floodway
500-Year Flood Zone
Area of Minimal Flood Hazard
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Sources: Orange County GIS; City of Laguna Hills; FEMA; USGS National Hydrography Dataset. Map date: March 9, 2022. 0 O
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unshaded

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Flooding can also occur outside of mapped flood hazard zones during heavy rain events associated with extensive runoff. Localized flooding typically occurs when significant amounts of rain fall over a short time period and/or, as a result of overloaded or blocked stormwater drainage systems that cause sheet flow into streets and low-lying areas.

Within Laguna Hills, these localized events typically occur in areas where a secondary outlet does not exist and have caused localized damage. The City has identified these locations and has plans for repairs. The City also maintains a list of drain locations susceptible to blockage from debris flows during heavy rain events to address potential flooding. Areas of localized flooding include:
 Canada Channel (F-23), discussed further below.
 El Toro Road – Avenida de la Carlota secondary outlet (past Plaza Lane)  Beckenham Street downdrain
 Largo Drive – 60 inch inlet (behind Ralph’s Grocery Store) In other areas within or near the City where localized flooding tends to occur, the storm drain infrastructure is the responsibility of another agency, such as the County. In the area of Canada Channel (F-23) at Del Lago Drive and Moulton Parkway, the roadways have experienced flooding resulting in vehicles being stranded during heavy rain events.

During a significant storm event, water from the I-5 Freeway at the El Toro Road underpass has also resulted in flooding of the roadway and stranded vehicles. The City regularly works with partner agencies to identify these situations and locations in order for the situation to be remedied during future events. Overall, localized flooding events are typically rare and have not caused extensive damage.

PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES
The National Weather Service report, A History of Significant Weather Events in Southern California, includes a chronological list of events organized by weather type. However, only one of these events have affected Laguna Hills. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Storm Event Database summarizes flood events of regional significance affecting the City of Laguna Hills. These are documented below:
 In December 1997, an El Niño storm brought the heaviest rain to Orange County in 70 years; the neighboring city, Mission Viejo, totaled as much as 10 inches in heavy downpours. Widespread flooding and mudslides occurred throughout the County.

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 In February 2003, Aliso Creek flooded Pacific Coast Highway at its crossing in Laguna Beach.
 In December 2010-January 2011, California received a Presidential Declaration for the Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Debris and Mud Flows that occurred over a nearly three-week period. During this incident, the State of California incurred well over $75 million in damages, of which over $36 million occurred within Orange County due to the 10 inches or more of rain received. Much of the damage impacted private and public property, as well as critical infrastructure.  In February 2014, the only significant storm of the 2013-2014 rainy reason caused minor street flooding in neighboring city, Mission Viejo. Weather stations reported that more than an inch of rain had fallen in a span of three hours in northern Orange County.
 In July-August 2015, moisture from Hurricane Dolores and Hurricane Linda resulted in uncharacteristic showers and thunderstorms with up to 4 inches of rain in southern California.
 In September 2015, flooding of roadways caused severe traffic congestion across southern California, including Orange County. In the City of Los Angeles, 7,300 people lost power for most of the day, and there more than 500 traffic collisions across the entire region as a result of the road conditions.  In 2017 Winter Storms included three storms over six days inundating southern California. Heavy rains, combined with already saturated soil, produced flash flooding across much of Orange County. Streets flooded with 1 to 3 feet of water in Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and Newport Beach. The storms resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 16 counties throughout the state.  In February 2019 a significant storm result in channel lining failures in Laguna Beach alongside Laguna Canyon Road and San Juan Capistrano alongside Trabuco Creek Road.
 In April 2020, an atmospheric river brought widespread heavy rain to Orange and San Diego counties. Numerous flash floods and floods occurred in areas including Peralta Hills, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, and Seal Beach.
 In December 2021, an atmospheric river impacted southern California with heavy rain, high elevation snow, and windy conditions. Some areas reported over 5 inches of rainfall. This led to flooding, debris flows and closed roads. • In January 2023, a series of atmospheric rivers brought heavy rains to Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Rain accumulation ranged from

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1.25 to 2 inches in Orange County, resulting in widespread flooding reports and several swiftwater rescues.

While many flood events have occurred within southern Orange County, no major floods have historically caused major damage within the City of Laguna Hills.

PROBABILITY OF FUTURE OCCURRENCES
Flooding (i.e., inundation) as a result of reservoir or dam failure is addressed in Section

4.2.1. This section addresses flooding resulting from heavy precipitation events. For areas located within the 100-year flood zone, there is a one percent chance in a given year that this area will be inundated by flood waters. For moderate flood hazard areas located within the 500-year flood zone, the probability decreases to 0.2 percent chance in a given year that the area will be inundated by flood water. Flooding incidents are most likely to occur within FEMA delineated flood zones.

Additional zones in the periphery of these flood areas may pose a flood risk, but since they are outside the designated 1-percent annual chance floodplain, they do not require additional flood insurance. Lower risk areas are also located along the La Paz Channel on the eastern border of Laguna Hills, and along North Sulfur Creek around Moulton Parkway. The County of Orange and the City maintain an extensive storm drain system that would normally divert any excessive rainfall into appropriate channels.

However, a significant rain event could cause flooding in the zones, or minor, localized flooding elsewhere in the City. The probability of future occurrences is considered likely.

CLIMATE CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS
Climate change is expected to influence the frequency and intensity of precipitation events throughout California and could have a direct effect on flooding. According to research conducted by UCLA, California will experience extremely wet and extremely dry seasons by the end of the century. It is predicted that “over the next 40 years, the State will be 300 to 400 percent more likely to have a prolonged storm sequence as severe as the one that caused the legendary California flood more than 150 years ago” (UCLA, 2018). The Fourth Climate Change Assessment indicates the intensity of heavy precipitation events is increasing and identifies a medium-high confidence for future change. While the annual rainfall averages may remain constant, the wet season may be narrower, leading to large downpours in a short period of time that overwhelm infrastructure and lead to increased flooding. With population density and increased

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urbanization of Orange County, increased precipitation events and associated flooding could be devastating.

4.2.4 HUMAN-INDUCED HAZARDS
The following human-induced hazards are analyzed below: hazardous spills/release and cyber threat.

DESCRIPTION
Hazardous Spills/Release
A hazardous material is defined as any injurious substance, including pesticides, herbicides, toxic metal and chemicals, explosives, and nuclear fuels and materials. The term “release” means spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment, unless permitted or authorized by a regulatory agency (Health and Safety Code Division 20, Chapter 6.95 Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory, Article 1).

The use of these hazardous materials is common in commercial, industrial, and manufacturing activities. Because these materials are increasingly used in urban settings, there are activities within the City that expose residents to certain risks associated with hazardous materials. The use of combustibles, and the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous and toxic wastes pose certain risks to the general population of the City.

Hazardous materials accidents can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal (United States Department of Homeland Security, 2021).

The impacts of hazardous material release vary, depending on the type and amount of material released. Hazardous materials exposure can include the following effects:
skin/eye irritation; difficulty breathing; headaches; nausea; behavior abnormalities; cancer; genetic mutations; physiological malfunctions (i.e., reproductive impairment, kidney failure); physical deformations; or, birth defects (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2022).

Cyber Threat
A cyber threat is when an individual or group threatens or attempts to target an enterprise’s use of cyberspace for the purpose of disrupting, disabling, destroying, or maliciously controlling a computing environment/infrastructure; or destroying the integrity of the data or stealing controlled information (United States Department of Commerce, 2022). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security categorizes cyber incidents under two categories: data breach, in which a person, organization, or agency

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gains unauthorized or illegal access to personal, sensitive, or confidential information; and physical infrastructure failure, which would include the disabling of multiple essential functions of physical and virtual assets, systems, and networks, and could result in restricted access to energy, food, clean water, and other emergency services (United States Department of Homeland Security, 2022). A common example of the former includes ransomware, which is designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.

LOCATION AND EXTENT
Hazardous Spills/Release
The use of combustibles, and the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous and toxic wastes pose certain risks to the general population of the City. As discussed in the General Plan Safety Element, I-5 and SR-73 are major transportation arterials that border Laguna Hills and it is likely that hazardous materials are transported along these roadways, thus potentially exposing people to potential catastrophic events. Additionally, all arterial highways within the City are designated truck routes with the potential to transport hazardous materials.

Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is a five-county joint powers authority created to build and operate the Metrolink commuter train system in the five-county area on rail rights-of-ways owned by the Member Agencies, including the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The Metrolink rail line runs parallel to the I-5 Freeway, east of the City of Laguna Hills. The City limits extend into the railroad right-ofway from La Paz Road to the southerly City limit. Freight rail carriers also operate on SCRRA tracks through shared track agreements. Similar to major transportation arterials, it is likely that hazardous materials are transported along the rail line potentially exposing people to hazardous materials in the event of a railroad accident.

Hazardous materials require special methods of disposal, storage, and treatment, and the release of hazardous materials requires an immediate response to protect human health and safety and/or the environment.

Although there are no businesses that generate significant hazardous materials within the City, there are businesses that handle, store, or generate hazardous materials in the operations of their business. Common hazardous materials include diesel fuel, chlorine, flammable waste, fuel waste, radiator coolant, ethylene glycol, pesticides, paint thinner, non-halogenated solvents, slop oil, toxics, and petroleum distillate solvents. The City

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maintains permitting requirements that parallel County requirements for businesses within Laguna Hills that handle, store, or generate hazardous waste. In addition, common household items, such as medical waste (syringes), latex and oil-based paints, antifreeze, batteries, used motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and electronic waste, such as used cell phones and computers, are considered hazardous waste, and cannot be disposed of along with other residential trash.

There are 21 locations with a Laguna Hills address that are listed in the State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker database for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST). Table 4-6, Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites, lists LUST sites in Laguna Hills according to the GeoTracker. Of these 21 LUST sites, the status of one site is “open – eligible for closure” as of December 22, 2022: Wright Petroleum (Aka G&M Oil Company Station #40) located at 23991 El Toro Road. The potential contaminant of concern at the open site is diesel. All other LUST sites within Laguna Hills have a status of “completed – case closed.”
TABLE 4-6: LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SITES
Source: California State Water Resources Control Board, 2022.

The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is located in San Diego County approximately 15 miles south of Laguna Hills within the Camp Pendleton military reserve.

Site Name Status
Arco #3079 Completed - Case Closed
Briggs Investment Properties Completed - Case Closed
Chevron (24081 El Toro) Completed - Case Closed
Chevron (25172 Cabot) Completed - Case Closed
David J Phillips Auto Center Completed - Case Closed
David J Phillips Buick Completed - Case Closed
Dunn Edwards Paint Completed - Case Closed
La Paz Professional Building Completed - Case Closed
Laguna Hills Car Wash Completed - Case Closed
Leisure World Completed - Case Closed
Mathis Reservoir Completed - Case Closed
Mobil #18-826 Completed - Case Closed
Moulton Niguel Water District Completed - Case Closed
Orange County Fire Station #22 Completed - Case Closed
Rossmoor Property Completed - Case Closed
Shell (23971 El Toro) Completed - Case Closed
Shell (23038 Lake Forest) Completed - Case Closed
Tosco - 76 #5646 Completed - Case Closed
Unocal Completed - Case Closed
Unocal #5647 Completed - Case Closed
Wright Petroleum (Aka G&M Oil Company Station #40) Open – Eligible for Closure

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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has identified the area surrounding SONGS, and every nuclear power facility, as an Emergency Planning Zone, and the State of California has defined the area outside and adjacent to the Emergency Planning Zone as a Public Education Zone. Laguna Hills is located outside of the Emergency Planning Zone but lies within the Public Education Zone. For areas within this zone, the State of California and Southern California Edison have created education programs to ensure that residents are prepared for any potential problems associated with the facility.

Radioactive by-products are primarily contained within the plant; however, small quantities of radioactive gas are released into the air and liquids into the Pacific Ocean.

The releases are monitored by SONGS personnel; according to SONGS, radiation exposure due to material release is less than typical exposure from natural background radiation. The two most likely sources of radiation contamination are transportation accidents involving the transport of radioactive materials and uncontrolled releases at the plant site.

SONGS was granted Permanently Defueled Status in 2015 and is in the process of being decommissioned and dismantled. Dismantlement of the facility began in 2020 and decommissioning activities are anticipated to be completed by 2045. While the decommissioning process is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), spent radioactive material continues to be stored onsite and the potential for accidental release is possible. Continued safety and emergency response policies and protocols are still needed until SONGS is fully decommissioned and the land returned to the U.S. Navy.

The extent of a hazardous materials release is dependent on several conditions, including the nature of the material, climate conditions, the amount of chemical released, and the regulatory environment. The extent of the release can also depend on intent (nonmalicious or malicious). Non-malicious releases would be accidental releases because of human error, technological failure, or natural hazards.

The nature of the released material is usually the most important determinant of the extent or severity of a spill. Hazardous materials can be flammable, radioactive, infectious, corrosive, toxic/poisonous, or otherwise reactive. For example, a radioactive material spill would have much further-reaching extent when compared to a paint spill.

Climate conditions also affect the severity of hazardous materials spills. For example, heavy rains or winds can spread hazardous materials over a larger geographical area and cause challenging cleanup conditions. In severe situations, the City may be at risk of hazardous materials release events on a regional level. With the right prevailing wind

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conditions, airborne toxic material could spread to and impact various parts of the air basin, including areas of Laguna Hills. Challenging cleanup conditions could allow for further contaminations due to the spill. Additionally, natural hazards such as wildfires or earthquakes could cause hazardous materials releases as a secondary effect with challenging cleanup conditions.

Cyber Threat
Cyber threats and potential attacks occur in cyberspace and could therefore affect any device or infrastructure network connected by digital technology. The impact of a cyber threat or attack is highly variable. The size and severity of the attack depends on who or what is targeted and can affect a range from one person to the entire City and/or region, and from hundreds to millions of dollars in damages. A minor threat could simply cause computer systems to slow down for a few minutes and not behave as responsively.

However, a major cyber threat could cause a complete shutdown of critical systems, including those used by banks, healthcare institutions, universities, major businesses, and city government.

Cyber threats are not measured in any scale; however Cyber Threat Metrics (Sandia National Laboratories, 2012) provides a description of some categories of incident information that may be used to assess and measure the attributes of a threat:
 The type of incident (website defacement, denial of service, unauthorized surveillance).
 The use of malicious software and its purpose.
 The level of security protection on the target system.  The duration of the cyber threat (a few hours, a few days, several weeks, etc.).

The magnitude of a threat’s attributes must often be estimated using some indirect method, such as statistical data analysis, expert opinion, or intelligence analysis.

PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES
Hazardous Spills/Release
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensations, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), and California law require responsible parties to report hazardous materials releases if certain criteria are met. Recent spills in the City are identified in Table 4-7, Cal OES Historical HazMat Spill Notifications in Laguna Hills since 2010.

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Railroad Operations and Safety Branch (ROSB) is responsible for ensuring that California communities and railroad employees are protected from unsafe practices on freight and passenger railroads by enforcing state and federal rail safety rules, regulations, and inspection efforts; and by carrying out proactive assessments of potential risks before they create dangerous conditions. ROSB rail safety inspectors investigate rail accidents and safety related complaints, and recommend safety improvements to the Commission, railroads, and the federal government as appropriate.

Between 2017-2021, four derailment incidents occurred within Orange County. The derailments involved the Union Pacific (UP) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroads and involved no release of hazardous materials (California Public Utilities Commission, Railroad Operations and Safety Branch, 2023). No major derailments or railroad incidents involving hazardous materials have occurred in proximity to Laguna Hills.

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TABLE 4-7: CAL OES HISTORICAL HAZMAT SPILL NOTIFICATIONS IN LAGUNA HILLS SINCE 2010 Source: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, 2022. * measured in gallons unless otherwise stated.

Cyber Threat
The City has not experienced a cyberthreat or activity that has caused disruption.

Spill
Date Agency Site
Spill
Substance
Type
Amount
(gallons)*
01/24/10 Laguna Hills 1189 Temple Hills Drive Sewage 10 02/20/12 El Toro Water District 22045 Caminito Amor Sewage 3,600 04/03/13 SoCal Edison 160 Majorca Petroleum <1
09/25/13 CHP Orange County I-5 N/B (El Toro Road) Petroleum 60 10/05/13 El Toro Water District Ridge Route & Peralta Sewage 600 04/28/14 Orange County Public
Works
La Paz Road/Moulton
Parkway
Sewage 10,000
06/29/15 El Toro Water District 22902 Avenida Valverde Sewage 5 07/01/15 El Toro Water District 23875 Willows Drive Other 6,050 12/18/15 El Toro Water District 23101 Moulton Pkwy/Granite Sewage 15 12/20/15 SoCal Edison 566 Avenida Majorca Wy Petroleum 30 08/06/16 El Toro Water District 22701 Granite Way Sewage 12,111 2/13/17 San Diego Gas and
Electric
Alicia Parkway/Aliso Hills
Drive
Petroleum 30
3/9/17 SoCal Gas 24301 Avenida de la Carlota Vapor Unknown 4/29/18 Public Storage 25131 Costeau Street Other Unknown 8/12/18 Private Citizen 25261 Champlain Road Other 25
9/10/18 Maurer Technical Services 23331 Peralta Drive Radiological 10 Millicuries 11/28/19 El Toro Water District Los Adornos Sewage 5
3/9/20 South Orange County
Waste Water Authority
252001 La Paz Road Other 24,000
3/20/20 SoCal Edison Bahia Blanca West & Calle
Azul
Vapor 10 Pounds
5/12/20 Wetlands and Wildlife
Care Center
23001 Del Lago Drive Unspecified Unknown
6/28/20 Southern California Gas 25582 Macenzie Street Vapor Unknown 4/10/21 Moulton Niguel Water
District
Pacific Park & Mareblu Other 50,000
12/15/21 NRC 25322 Las Bolsas Petroleum Unknown
8/25/22 SoCalGas 25172 Buckskin Drive Natural gas Unknown 9/13/23 Private citizen 25042 Sunset Place E Petroleum 2 12/27/23 Solve One 23038 Lake Forest Drive Gasoline 3

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PROBABILITY OF FUTURE OCCURRENCES
Hazardous Spills/Release
Laguna Hills has experienced hazardous releases historically, and includes facilities that use, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials. Typically, these events have been the result of human error, malfunctioning equipment, or compromised infrastructure and have not resulted in significant damage or human health hazards. Based on this and the City’s location in proximity to major transportation routes, it is anticipated that some amount of hazardous spills/release will continue to occur within the City. The probability of future occurrences is considered likely.

The Safety and Environmental Services Section (SESS) of OCFA is responsible for gathering and maintaining inventories of chemicals stored, handled, and used within Laguna Hills.

Once identified, SESS is responsible for compiling this information into a database, which can be accessed through the Community’s Right to Know program. This program responds to all requests from the public for hazardous materials information and disclosure. In addition, OCFA has developed a Hazardous Materials Area Plan addressing day-to-day hazardous material operations as well as extreme emergencies. The role of Laguna Hills in the event of a hazardous materials emergency is focused on discovery, notification evaluation, and initiation of immediate on-scene action. The City will continue to maintain permitting requirements that parallel County requirements for businesses within Laguna Hills that handle, store, or generate hazardous waste.

The Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation law (Federal Hazmat law) 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq., is the basic statute regulating hazardous materials transportation in the United States. Section 5101 states that the purpose of the Federal hazmat law is to “protect against the risks to life, property, and the environment that are inherent in the transportation of hazardous material in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce.” Section 5103 provides that the Secretary of Transportation shall:
 Designate material (including an explosive, radioactive material, infectious substance, flammable or combustible liquid, solid or gas, toxic, oxidizing or corrosive material, and compressed gas) or a group or class of material as hazardous when the Secretary determines that transporting the material in commerce in a particular amount and form may pose an unreasonable risk to health and safety or property; and
 Issue regulations for the safe transportation, including security, of hazardous material in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce.

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The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), 49 CFR Parts 171-180, address registration; hazardous materials classification; hazard communication; training and security; packaging requirements; and operational rules. The HMR apply to the transportation of hazardous materials in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce by aircraft, railcar, vessel, and motor vehicle. The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issues the HMR. PHMSA enforces the shipment of hazardous materials and the manufacture, fabrication, marking, maintenance, reconditioning, repair, or testing of multi-modal containers that are represented, marked, certified, or sold for use in the transportation of hazardous materials. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues regulations concerning highway routing of hazardous materials, the hazardous materials endorsement for a commercial driver’s license, highway hazardous material safety permits, and financial responsibility requirements for motor carriers of hazardous materials. The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Hazardous Materials Division administers a safety program that oversees the movement of hazardous materials across the U.S. rail transportation system, including shipments transported to and from international organizations. FRA is responsible for enforcing federal rail and hazardous materials safety laws and regulations by rail. Carriers must report immediately by telephone certain more serious transportation incidents; less serious incidents require a written report. The Department of Transportation (DOT) supports State and local emergency response.

As stated, the CPUC has legal regulatory authority over rail safety within California. ROSB is responsible for enforcing both state and federal laws, regulations, Commission General Orders, and directives relating to the transportation of persons and commodities by rail.

Public Utilities Code Section 309.7 states the Safety and Enforcement Division (SED) of the CPUC shall be responsible for inspection, surveillance, and investigation of the rights-ofway, facilities, equipment, and operations of railroads and public mass transit guideways, and for enforcing state and federal laws, regulations, orders, and directives relating to transportation of persons or commodities, or both, of any nature or description by rail.

Cyber Threat
Cyber threats in general have been increasing due to the integrated nature of technology and its everyday use in the operations of business activities. No cyber threats or attacks are known to have disrupted the City’s normal operations and the probability of the City experiencing a cyber threat that causes major disruption is considered low.

The City utilizes anti-malware software and maintains off-site backup systems. Further, public safety for the City is provided by third-party independent agencies. However, it is

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noted that this continues to be an area to monitor and the City will continue to implement systems to decrease the potential for cyber-attacks and disruptions to its operations.

Due to the integrated nature of technology into the everyday lives of Irvine’s residents, businesses, and government operations, it is possible that a cyber threat could emerge in the future. While no cyber threats are publicly known to have disrupted the City’s normal operations in the past, the likelihood of a cyber threat affecting the residents, businesses, and/or governmental operations in the future is increasing. The probability of future occurrences is considered occasional.

CLIMATE CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS
Hazardous Spills/Release
Hazardous materials releases are typically caused by accidental conditions, which are not correlated with climate change. However, hazardous materials releases can result from a natural hazard event such as an earthquake, wildfire, or severe weather event.

Climate change may cause an increase in the number of these events affecting Laguna Hills. Hazardous materials releases during earthquakes, wildfire, and severe weather events can spread contamination to large geographic areas and amplify long-term impacts to human and ecological health.

Cyber Threat
While cyber threats may not be directly attributable to climate change, more extreme weather events due to climate change could impact computers at facilities that control essential resources, including water, energy, and infrastructure. Economic impacts related to climate change that threaten people’s livelihoods, such as food insecurity, could also prompt criminals to engage in more cyber threats.

4.2.5 SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

DESCRIPTION
Surface Faulting and Ground Motion
The US Geological Survey (USGS) defines an earthquake as a sudden slip on a fault and the resulting ground shaking and radiated seismic energy caused by the slip (or any other sudden stress changes in the earth) (USGS, 2021a). Faults are fractures along the earth’s crust between two blocks of earth and can be defined as a strike slip, normal, or thrust faults, as depicted in Figure 4-5, Types of Faults, below.

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FIGURE 4-5: TYPES OF FAULTS
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Earthquake Glossary,
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/glossary/?term=earthquake, accessed November 16, 2021.

Fault movement can occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake, or may occur slowly, in the form of creep. During an earthquake, the rock on one side of a fault suddenly slips with respect to the other. Earthquakes occur without warning and result in effects such as ground motion, surface faulting, and ground failure (including liquefaction and landslides), described below.

Ground motion is seismic shaking (vibration) of the ground during an earthquake. When a fault ruptures, seismic waves radiate and cause the ground to vibrate. The severity of the vibration increases with the amount of energy released and decreases with distance from the causative fault or epicenter. Soft soils can further amplify ground motion (USGS, 2021b).

Seismic shaking can be strong enough to result in widespread devastation or virtually undetectable by the average person. The intensity of seismic shaking is a result of the release by the fault rupture (how much of the accumulated stress was released), the length of the rupture (the longer the slip along the fault line, the greater the shaking), and the depth at which the rupture occurs (ruptures that occur closer to the surface often cause stronger shaking). Usually, areas closest to the site of the rupture experience the greatest shaking, although differences in geology and soil can also have an impact.

Seismic shaking can damage or destroy buildings and structures and may cause partial or total collapse. Ground movement can damage or destroy infrastructure on or beneath the surface, such as roads, rail lines, and utility lines and pipes. This in turn, can cause hazardous materials releases, water main breaks, and other dangerous situations resulting from infrastructure failure. Falling debris and structures also create a risk of personal injury or death.