Newborn Aliso Viejo Takes Its First Steps

Aliso Viejo’s new city leaders hit the ground running this week at their first official meeting, appointing the law firm of Best Best & Krieger to help them through the three-month transition to cityhood.

The council members-elect also created committees to handle various tasks, including finding a city hall, hiring a city staff, contracting with the county for public safety and other services and planning the new city’s inaugural celebration.

Residents approved the cityhood measure and elected the five-member council March 6. The incorporation will become official July 1.

About 50 people jammed the small community room at the Aliso Viejo sheriff’s substation Tuesday night to watch the council-elect in action. Many in the audience were representatives of consulting firms hoping to obtain contracts with the new municipal government. Others were there from neighboring cities or organizations to offer their support.

“All of our information is your information,� said Meg Waters, Laguna Woods city clerk. “Feel free to tap in on us if you need anything.�

Resident Emily Butler said she thought the group handled city business like pros.

“I think they’re going to do fine,� Butler said. “They seemed to work well together.�

Councilwoman-elect Carmen L. Vali, who was appointed to serve as chairwoman of the group until cityhood becomes official, agreed.

“Everybody seems to be on the same page,� she said, adding that “it feels strange [conducting city business] because we’re in an in-between period and we can do some things but can’t do other things. It still feels like it’s not quite finished yet.�