City Guide

LAGUNA BEACH

Mayor: Kathleen Blackburn

Age: 53

Occupation: Former controller of Hobie Sunglasses Inc.

First elected: 1992

Term expires: 2000

Key issues: Provide basic governmental services, such as police and fire protection; improve infrastructure; focus on redevelopment of Treasure Island mobile home park and the Village Entrance, as well as long-range strategy citywide; improve ocean water quality; continue the fight against a commercial airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

Councilman: Wayne J. Baglin

Age: 53

Occupation: Real estate broker

First elected: 1994 (served previously on the council from 1978 to 1981)

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Improve water quality in the ocean and local creeks; update the city’s general plan and specific plans; conduct a “management audit” to look at the job responsibilities, compensation and organizational structure of the city’s management employees.

Councilman: Steve Dicterow

Age: 42

Occupation: Attorney

First elected: 1994

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Increase the number of police officers and ensure adequate fire protection, including enough properly trained and equipped firefighters; develop a strategic plan to increase the city’s revenue base; develop more programs for seniors and youth; propose a five-year capital improvement program for the police, fire and marine safety departments.

Councilman: Paul Freeman

Age: 42

Occupation: Community and government relations and charitable giving for the Segerstrom family

First elected: 1994

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Create a world-class resort at Treasure Island; enhance the beauty and village character of the city with more “unique and resident-serving businesses” and fewer “cookie-cutter” companies; plant flowers downtown; have a design competition for the village entrance project.

Councilman: Wayne L. Peterson

Age: 57

Occupation: Teacher

First elected: 1992

Term expires: 2000

Key issues: Keep El Toro from becoming a commercial airport; redevelop Treasure Island; encourage city leaders to play a larger role in community service by focusing on sports facilities for youth, a teen center, a community center, an improved center for seniors and office space for nonprofit organizations.

Other Key Officials

City manager: Kenneth C. Frank

Age: 52

In office: Since 1979

City Attorney: Philip Kohn

Age: 43

In office: Since 1982

Police Chief: Jim Spreine

Age: 50

In office: Three months

Fire Chief: William Edmundson

Age: 55

In office: Since 1994

How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Tuesdays

Hours: City Hall, 505 Forest Ave., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

Telephone: (714) 497-3311

Fax: (714) 497-0771

Factoids

Flower: Geranium

Tree: Eucalyptus

Incorporated: June 29, 1927

Population: 24,000

Legislative districts: 35th Senate, 47th Congressional, 48th and 70th Assembly

Annual budget: $32 million

Employees: 210

Highest-paid employee: City manager receives $120,396 annually

Council perks: Members receive $300 a month

RESEARCHED BY LESLIE EARNEST