City OKs Expanded Cancer Research Facility

The Aliso Viejo City Council on Wednesday recognized two residents for their contributions to the city. The first was ’s Teacher of the Year, Alison Nero. Nero, who teaches English and advises the Associated Student Body, finds interesting ways to keep her students engaged. gave one example, saying you could walk into Nero’s classroom to find all the students sitting on their desks, demonstrating the small sitting conditions in the boats they are learning about that week.

“It is great to be a teacher and fun to get the kids involved,” Nero said.

She thanked her husband for accommodating her hours and her son for teaching her how to turn everything into a game.

Resident and board member Ray DeLeon was also acknowledged for his involvement and passion for Donate Life California. DeLeon who received a kidney transplant seven years ago encouraged residents to “put that pink dot on your license. And if you are so moved, become an organ donor,” he said.

Garcia proclaimed the month of April DMV Donate Life Month.

The City Council also approved the expansion of the Clarient Inc. wet laboratories (biochemical testing operation) at 31 Columbia from 15,000 to 31,000 square feet.

encouraged everyone to tour the facility to see how they are “revolutionizing how cancer is treated.”

The council also approved dissolving the city’s Planning Commission, allowing the City Council to fill its roll.

In the community input portion of the meeting, resident Alex Gill-Gerards, a resident who previously approached the council requesting the mayor’s signature on the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry pledge, asked Garcia to formally state his position on gay marriage and his reasons for not signing the pledge.

Resident Nancy Conley also addressed the council, expressing her concern for the estimated $50,000 to build the Aliso Viejo Exchange—a volunteer matching website that connects organizations with volunteers.

City Manager Mark Pulone addressed this concern during council comments and reminded the council that the project is still receiving quotes and the $50,000 was only an estimate.

“Before we shoot it down take a look at what the actual facts are,” Garcia said.

The next City Council meeting takes place May 2 in the