Foothills Sentry Page 2 MARCH 2026 Learn more at eocwd.com Every Drop Counts Learn more at eocwd.com March 16-22, 2026 Fix a Leak Week "Canyon fire" continued from page 1 little public notice. Several speakers from Hidden Ridge, a nearby neighborhood, reported that the only reason the 2024 Airport Fire spared the development site was because the wind blew in the other direction. They noted the difficulty of evacuating in a one-way in, one-way out scenario, and that additional developments in the area had already added to congestion. Plans have problems “Ask the people in the Palisades how long it took them to get out,” one speaker said. “I hope you are listening to common sense and the community.” “Why are we building in a high-risk fire area,” another asked. “I thought we had learned something.” Others focused on the project’s disconnect with county planning. "All plans should go through the FTSP review board,” Ray Chandos, a Trabuco resident who was instrumental in getting the FTSP written and adopted by the county, said. “This project has been administratively approved, not processed as usual. It’s all been back room. You have the discretion to deny this by finding it a threat to public safety." Mike Wellborn, president of Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, emphasized the density and intensity of the project that will be on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest. “There are huge contradictions with the specific plan,” he said. “You don’t have to approve this.” Canyon Conservancy founder Gloria Sefton referred to a letter written to the commission by law firm Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger that detailed the problems and potential legal challenges to the development. She also mentioned the one-million-gallon water tank that had disappeared from the project footprint and was apparently out of sight, out of mind. The commissioners were under the impression that the local water district had OK’d the development; Sefton advised that the district’s “will serve” permit was “conditional,” based on the construction of the water tank somewhere in the canyon. Its location has yet to be determined. Business as usual Other speakers called out the lax public notice for the hearing, reporting that they had learned of it through the grapevine and not county outreach. The board was advised by County Council Nicole Walsh that 42 notices had been sent out to residents within 300 feet of the project site, and that satisfied the requirement for public notice. The decades-old EIR was also challenged, with commenters noting how much had changed in the ensuing years: endangered species, fire zones, traffic patterns, carbon footprints. Walsh advised that “there is no such thing as a too-old EIR under the law. You only have to do it once. You do supplements and addenda to evaluate additional impacts, but in this case, there were no severe additional impacts.” She also dismissed the letter from the law firm, noting that its concerns were addressed with the EIR addendums from 2004 and 2022. The commissioners appeared satisfied that the issues raised by the public had been addressed. They advised that the OC Fire Authority “has already done something, with more to come regarding buffers, firebreaks and fuel modifications.” The milliongallon water tank was “not necessary to this project.” The OC Transportation Authority would “ensure that area roads meet new circulation needs, including evacuation routes.” Last chance lost? Mario Turner, recently appointed by Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, was attending his first commission meeting. He observed that the public noticing process “didn’t reach a lot of homes,” and wanted confirmation that the final land use requirement was setbacks. “There are no further hearings after this?” he asked. “This is final?” Indeed. Additional permits would be approved “ministerially,” by the Board of Supervisors. “This has been going on for a long, long time,” Commission Chair Kevin Rice summarized. “We all live in houses that used to be hills and orchards. We have demands for development.” Commissioner Bartlett added that he, too, lives in a high fire zone, “it’s just something we have to live with.” The vote was 3-0 to approve. The Saddleback Canyons Conservancy and Rural Canyons Conservation Fund have appealed. OUSD to invest $40 million in campus improvements The Orange Unified School District Board of Education voted to advance a $40 million Campus Improvement Program focused on improving safety and learning environments at its elementary and middle schools, using funds previously set aside for campus improvements. This investment in elementary and middle schools comes from the district’s general fund balance and does not involve any new taxes. Instead, it reflects a deliberate and responsible reinvestment of existing resources into the campuses. Many schools are experiencing the effects of aging and deferred maintenance. The Campus Improvement Program is designed to address routine, visible needs that impact daily school operations and the overall campus experience. Planned improvements include safer, more welcoming campus entrances; enhanced lighting and walkways; shaded structures for outdoor learning and play; refreshed interior spaces; and updated campus signage. Safety and technology enhancements are also central. Planned upgrades include improved front-door access control systems, updated network infrastructure at elementary schools and upgraded audiovisual equipment to strengthen campus communication. Rather than large-scale construction projects, the program emphasizes phased improvements that address long-standing wear. Projects will be scheduled to minimize disruption during the instructional day and prioritize efficiency, safety, and results. The proposed Saddleback Meadows project will place 181 units on small lots adjacent to El Toro Road. The project site was threatened by the Airport Fire in 2024. K9 Nash and Officer Logan Shryock. K9 Nash retires In November of 2019, the Orange Elks helped the Orange Police Department purchase K9 Nash. The lodge raises funds through generous donations from members and holds a Police Dog Dinner during the year. When the dog retires, the Lodge has an account for veterinary bills, should the K9 need medical attention. K9 Nash recently retired, Jan. 23, and will receive veterinary services for his lifetime, in addition to a soft bed and many thanks from a grateful community. Book sales coming to Orange library The Friends of the Orange Public Library is holding a Children's Book Sale in the Tannas Family's Children's Garden at the Main Library, Saturday March 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Books are priced at 25 cents and 50 cents. The Spring Bag of Books sale will be held Saturday, April 25, in the Community Room at the Main Library. Sale hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; FOPL members only from 10 to 11 a.m. The library is located at 407 E. Chapman Ave.
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