•Bruce Hopping proposed a program with anonymous access that would allow students to report threats of violence. Hopping said that in 2011 the Navy SEALS conferred their highest honor on him for establishing the most venerated water polo award program in the United States 23 years ago.
•Robert Ross discussed the various lawsuits, one in which the city is not involved, and wondered what they cost.
•Former Mayor Ann Christoph invited the public to a Village Laguna event at 7 p.m., June 25 at the Unitarian Church to hear a representative of the California Native Plant Society speak about fuel modification and a panel discussion on progress for an innovative technique of removing weeds and non-native grasses, and replacing them with low-fuel natives. The project was funded by a Greater Laguna Coast Firesafe Council grant from the Forest Service.
Christoph felt it should be of interest in the Disaster Preparedness Task Force.
•Margaret Butt said that divers had reported a number of balloons in the kelp beds. She asked the council to abolish balloons on the beach to protect the ecological system of the ocean.
Mayor Jane Egly agreed that helium balloons could cause great harm when they drifted away and she discouraged their purchase.
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COUNCIL AND STAFF CHAT
Council members and staff report on events they have attended, people with whom they have met and other items of public interest.
•City Treasurer Laura Parisi said the state budget relies heavily on revenue measures that will be on the November ballot. If the measures do not pass, residents will see trigger cuts next year.
•City Manager John Pietig reported that Gelson's had complained about the summer shuttle turn-around in the shopping center, but the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is thrilled to take its place.
