Valinda Sells Everything Workers Build

WHISPERING HILLS ESTATES: The project near San Juan Hills High, now known as Valinda, was approved for 155 single family residences, and to date, the developer has obtained 33 building permits and sold 31 houses.

A NEIGHBORING DEVELOPMENT: The developer for the O’Hill subdivision in Laguna Niguel (52 acres near Bear Brand) has submitted a modification to the approved plans to increase from four lots to five lots and amend two conditions of approval. On Sept. 11, the Laguna Niguel Planning Commission approved the modification request. Staff was present to watch deliberations and offer testimony.

ZOOMARS APPLICATION: On Sept. 12, the property owner submitted a conditional use permit modification application to request approval of the dinosaur and implement site improvements. The application is incomplete but the property owner expects to have final plans in two weeks. The process requires public hearings by the Cultural Heritage Commission and Planning Commission. City Council approval is only required if an appeal is filed.

STONE FIELD: Stone Field opened on Friday, Sept. 14, after a month and a half of closure for maintenance, and leagues will be utilizing this field for their fall season. All soccer fields in the city are open and are fully reserved by eight different youth and adult soccer leagues.

DEL OBISPO STREET BRIDGE WIDENING: In the past week, the contractor compacted the base adjacent to the reconstructed existing bridge overhang tie-in points. Workers placed asphalt for the bike trail, County Flood Control access road, and areas along Paseo Adelanto north and south of Del Obispo Street. They started constructing the forms for the concrete barrier rail on the south side of the bridge. The contractor also removed support and forms under the bridge from the previous week’s reconstruction of the existing bridge north overhang. They also constructed the hangers and conduits for the AT&T utility line under the existing bridge north overhang.

Work will continue on the south side of the bridge, affecting only the new bike lane and existing sidewalk. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October.

I-5/CAMINO CAPISTRANO INTERCHANGE PROJECT: The project construction began in July 2010, and is scheduled for completion by the end of February 2013. The contractor has been working on the freeway bridge over San Juan Creek Road, requiring some night closures of the street.

Phase 1 of the construction is expected to be completed in September, which will open up traffic lanes on the east side of Camino Capistrano south of the I-5 ramps and remove the barricades on San Juan Creek Road. Phase 2 will shift construction to the west side of Camino Capistrano to construct an additional southbound lane south of the ramps.

For more information, contact the Caltrans project manager, David Richardson, at (949) 724-2341.

ORTEGA HIGHWAY REHABILITATION: Work has been completed from I-5 southbound ramps to the east city limit. Work is currently occurring east of Antonio Parkway. Flaggers are being used and delays of 15-30 minutes should be expected during the night time work hours east of Antonio Parkway. The project is expected to be completed by late October.

GOT WATER (LEAKS)?: Perhaps you suspect a water leak? Our customer field representative will respond to your high-use inquiry and check for a leak. If indeed a leak is detected, and you have it repaired, please save the receipt. Call the one-stop shop customer service line at (949) 493-1515 to see if there is an adjustment that can be applied once the leak is repaired.

EMERGENCY TRAINING: On Sept. 5, the first of seven sessions of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was held for 26 residents and members of the business community. Over the next seven weeks, training topics will prepare the group for an understanding of the potential disasters in our area: fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue; and culminate with a simulated earthquake drill. CERT is an opportunity for residents and members of the business community to learn basic skills to save lives and protect property in the aftermath of a major disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. The city offers this free training every six months. The next CERT program begins Feb. 4, 2013. 

WANNA GET PAID TO REMOVE YOUR LAWN?: The very popular turf (lawn) replacement incentive has about $100,000 in funding still available. Residential, commercial and HOA customers can receive $1per square foot for removing lawns and replacing them with low-water-using plants. Both pre- and post-inspections are required. Customers are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible. Funding is provided through Metropolitan Water District and a state grant. Qualifying customers will receive a notice to proceed, valid for 60 days. Fall is planting time in Southern California, so this is the best possible time to design gardens to save water next year and beyond. Local nurseries are wonderful resources for planting suggestions.

For details of other regional rebates available to residential and commercial customers, visit Be Water Wise, and click on the “rebates” link. Qualifying devices include SmarTimers, sprinkler nozzles, and clothes washers. Be sure to read all of the information on these sites for terms and conditions.

FASHIONABLE SENIORS: “Lifestyle Casuals” will host a fashion show for seniors on Oct. 9, at the Community Center. The time of the fashion show will be determined soon. Admission to the fashion show will be free and will include several Senior Club members modeling.