Council upholds demolition of home

Attorney Susan Brandt-Hawley opined that the council must include an environmental impact report in its consideration of the demolition of the house or alternatively exempt the project from the California Environmental Quality Act if it denies the permit for demolition and design review approval.

Brandt-Hawley, whose practice is focused on environmental law in the public interest, wrote that council should base the historic integrity of the house on its condition in 2009, before the most recent illegal demolition occurred.

However, the council was advised by City Attorney Philip Kohn that its decision should be made on the current condition.

"The house is an old lady who has been undressed, but I think she can be reclothed in period style," said Councilwoman Verna Rollinger, who voted against the demolition.

Mayor Jane Egly said reconstruction would result in a replica that would have no historical value.

"This building was damaged and it was done illegally," said Ann Christoph, a board member of Village Laguna and the South Laguna association, and a former mayor. "It was a crime, and the public loses if the house is lost. "

Asked if further action was being considered to block the demolition, Village Laguna President Ginger Osborne said the opponents had no plans at present.

"There is recourse," said Christoph, but she did not elaborate.

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