Green City Initiative Ready for Public View

The Green City Initiative is open to the public.

Residents are the next step in the city’s green process. The Aliso Viejo City Council approved the draft narrative to be placed on the green city website for public review and comments.

After some clarification on phrasing within the document from Albert Armijo, director of planning services for the city, the council unanimously approved opening it up to the public during their Wednesday meeting.

Other business:

— Brownie Troop 1505 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

— Mary Wilson, first grade teacher at , was honored for her patriotic efforts in the classroom. The Veterans of Foreign Wars recently named Wilson teacher of the year. Wilson began adding patriotic themes to her classroom after 9-11.

“It is thanks to the troops that we are all here. It is my pleasure to work in this wonderful city,” Wilson said.

— The city council approved the second phase of the Orange County Transit Authority M2 Environmental Cleanup Grant Program.

The council agreed to match OCTA’s $33,000 to install catch basins to stop debris that falls into storm drains throughout the city.

There will be 46 basin installed in high priority locations. The first phase, also installed 46 basins, mostly focused on the high traffic Town Center area. The catch basins help contain debris and absorb oil and grease.

— In response to Irvine's recent ban on the retail sale of dogs and cats, asked city staff to look into adopting a similar ordinance in Aliso Viejo. The only pets currently being sold within the community are rescued pets during Petsmart adoption events, he said.

A recent rental of an elephant for a party in Laguna Niguel prompted Garcia's interest in the issue.

"I want to make sure there are no elephants in Aliso Viejo. I can't imagine they are treated very well," he said, referring to wild animals that are rented or sold for entertainment or retail value.

— Garcia concluded the meeting by thanking the council and residents who came to the . Garcia addressed some of the negative feedback he received about his performance.

"I want to apologize for offending anyone," he said.

Residents have spoken poorly about his attire for the evening and his performance to Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" with .

Other council members thanked the mayor for his performance and effort to speak to all event attendees.

— The next city council will be held at 7 p.m. on April 18 in City Hall.