Electronic Public Comment
June 9, 2026
Non-agendized item
From: Margaret <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 11:04 AM
To: Don Caskey; Public Comments; Jared Mathis; Dave Wheeler; Joshua Sweeney; Erica Pezold
Subject: City Council Professionalism
Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the conduct displayed by Councilman Joshua Sweeney during the discussion of the proposed veterinary hospital project on May 26, 2026.
During the meeting, Councilwoman Pezold raised what appeared to be a reasonable and relevant question about potential odor from a pet relief area adjacent to a restaurant with outdoor seating.
Given that the proposed relief area consists primarily of mulch and lacks soil or a water source, concerns about ammonia odors and the impact on neighboring businesses seem entirely appropriate for public discussion.
Rather than addressing the substance of her question, Councilman Sweeney responded by stating that he was "done' and insinuated Councilwoman Pezold's questions were not benign. I found this remark dismissive, intimidating, and unprofessional.
Members of the City Council have a responsibility to ask questions, evaluate potential impacts, and represent the interests of residents and local businesses. Questions about sanitation, odors, and compatibility with nearby outdoor dining are directly relevant to the council's decision- making process. When an elected official is criticized or belittled for asking such questions, it discourages open discussion and undermines the collaborative environment that residents expect from their local government.
Regardless of differing opinions on the project itself, council members should be able to raise concerns without being subjected to dismissive or demeaning comments. Respectful disagreement is part of the democratic process; personal attacks and intimidation are not.
I encourage the Council to reaffirm its commitment to professional conduct, mutual respect, and civil discourse during public meetings. Residents deserve to see their elected representatives engage in thoughtful debate focused on the issues rather than on one another.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
Margaret Struve
Laguna Hills
Electronic Public Comment
June 9, 2026
Non-agendized item
From: Bill Bermingham < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:27 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Heritage Room carpet and chairs
Hello!
I know a lot of people and organizations use the Heritage room for a variety of important functions.
Please consider replacing the carpet and chairs in this room. They are truly a mess.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Bill
William Bermingham
Executive Director
New Vista School
949-245-2313
Electronic Public Comment
June 9, 2026
Non-agendized item
From: Karen Litfin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 2:31 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: The Declaration of Independence
I want to thank everyone involved in honoring "America 250" by displaying The Declaration of Independence in Knotty Pine Park.
God Bless America,
Karen Litfin
Sent from my iPhone
Electronic Public Comment
June 9, 2026
Non-agendized item
From: Karen Hamman
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 4:01 PM
To: Georgia Shepherd
Subject: FW: Parking at Sunset Place HOA and Beckenham Street City Council Meeting 6/9/26 From: City Council <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 3:51 PM
To: Karen Hamman <[email protected]>; Joe Ames < [email protected]> Subject: FW: Parking at Sunset Place HOA and Beckenham Street City Council Meeting 6/9/26 From: GARY STEINBERG < [email protected]>
'Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:44 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>; Sunset Place HOA <[email protected]> Subject: Parking at Sunset Place HOA and Beckenham Street City Council Meeting 6/9/26 Parking at Sunset Place HOA and Beckenham Street City Council Meeting 6/9/26 6/9/2026
Dear City council:
Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I am the current president of the Sunset Place Homeowners association.
I have 2 items one is real short. At last month's city council meeting a couple while asking to have their parkway tree removed made disparaging remarks regarding our association and board of directors. That couple has an investment property bought one year ago, and has never lived in the community. Our board has always been open and transparent. Our management company Nexus Smart Communities sends notices and has an online portal for all members to keep informed.
We value our relationship with the city. As for the Sycamore trees I believe we have come to an understanding with the citv and we would like to thank Joe Ames and Rvan Hanlev for their efforts. All that remains is the funds for replanting of missing trees when Ryan returns from vacation.
The main issue we are here for is parking. We are very concerned with out of area parkers in our neighborhood. You are all aware of the problem facing the area. I would like to ask you to allow the Sunset Place Homeowners Association to decide parking for Sunset Place. The city recognizes us when working on parkway trees. They defer to us, however we know the city has the ultimate authority. In the same vein we ask that the city allow us to bypass the permit process and allow our board of directors to decide for the homeowners association. All members of the association agree to follow all rules and regulations we may adopt. I wish for you to consider that so we can get permitted parking as soon as possible without the arduous task of petitions.
Possible solutions to the parking problem include opening up Laguna Hills drive to parking permitted or otherwise. The medical building on the corner of Paseo De Valencia and Laguna Hills Drive has permits issued. I counted 30 cars yesterday. That's a lot of cars for such a small building that has its own parking lot. I spoke to Cindy Weber at the high school and she says they have plenty of parking and do not need any space on the street. Open the street to parking except behind some residences.
It's open by Sheep Hills Park. This will take the pressure off of the surrounding neighborhoods. It would have an immediate effect. The issue of parking on Sunset Place and Beckenham Street we ask as the city has done with other neighborhoods to do the same for us. When an apartment complex went condo the city gave them permit parking outside of their neighborhood. We ask that Beckenham be divided up between Sunset Place, Acacia Knolls and the medical complex for permit parking for our combined residents and medical building use. The parking problem is the result of permit parking on other streets resulting on parkers moving to our neighborhood. The alternative is to regulate the apartment building population which is a nonstarter.
Thank you
Gary Steinberg, president Sunset Place Homeowners Association This email has been scanned for spam and viruses by Proofpoint Essentials. Click here to report this email as spam.