State of the City Address Upbeat and Positive

Laguna Niguel Mayor Gary Capata served up his State of the City address with a rosy picture about the city's financial health, a low crime rate and business growth—and ended with a bit of humor.

After thanking the members of the  and volunteers who contribute to the smooth functioning of the city, began the address held at El Niguel Country Club on Friday morning with a simple request.

"Close your eyes," Capata said, "and think about why Laguna Niguel is such a great city. Go ahead, close your eyes."

As the crowd closed their eyes, an audience member joked, "He's taking our money!"

After the lighthearted introduction, Capata got down to the real business of the day. In a video presentation, he talked about the current financial conditions of the city and plans for the future.

Despite Recession, Laguna Niguel Financially Strong

"Despite the challenging recession of the past years, I am pleased to report that Laguna Niguel remains financially strong. We have no debt," Capata said. Laguna Niguel is preserving its service levels to residents and business owners, while still investing in roads and other infrastructure, he said.

Capata said that most of Laguna Niguel's revenue comes from property and sales taxes, and that property tax revenues seem to have stabilized and increased slightly over the past year while sales taxes are trending higher than last year.

No Potential for City of Bell Scandal Here

Capata mentioned the city of Bell scandal and asked: "Could it happen in Laguna Niguel? In my opinion, no. There are many reasons why."

The mayor cited the city's strong financial management, openness and transparency, active citizen involvement and independent oversight.

"The t and related financial policies are reviewed and discussed annually in open public meetings," Capata said. "Financial documents, city labor agreements and employee compensation information are posted on the city website. Our investment, banking and auditing committee monitors the city's investment portfolio and banking relationships and reviews the city's audited financial information before presentation to city council. All of these safeguards were in place before any of us ever heard of the scandal in the city of Bell."

2010 Safest Year on Record

Capata also announced that—based on preliminary results—2010 was the safest year in the history of the city.

"Over the past several years, we have seen a significant reduction in Part 1 crimes, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our sheriff's deputies—lead by ."

Part 1 crimes consist of violent crime like homicide, rape, murder and aggravated assault and property crimes like burglary and grand theft.

Economic Development

was also strong in the last year, the mayor said, when the city "welcomed approximately 50 new businesses to our community—including a variety of restaurants and retail stores. Later this year, we look forward to welcoming to the community."

Capata said the city has recently reduced permit fees for centerwide events and sidewalk sales by 50 percent though April 5 . 

Further, Capata said the will be presented to the city council for adoption in the late spring or early summer. The Gateway Specific Plan aims to create new development opportunities and attract new business to the 300-acre Gateway area, located between Interstate 5 and State Route 73.

In addition to the Gateway Plan, the city is investing in the to improve access to the area. Construction bids for the project started Feb. 16.

Rennovation, Construction and Improvements

Capata added invitations to visit and enjoy the newly opened and also the newly rennovated Crown Valley Community Pool.

He said the progress on the new , which is now moving forward despite the recent bad weather, is on course to complete construction by early August and to be fully operational by the end of September.

The county is also completing a major renovation and expansion of the . The $3.2 million project will increase the size of the library to 14,000 square feet and include an architectural style that will complement the new City Hall.

"These completed projects, will create a true civic center, with additional multipurpose community meeting rooms, an outdoor amphitheater, history exhibits, and new learning and educational opportunities for our residents," the mayor said.

Capata closed his address with an amusing surprise for the audience.

"Recently, the city voted to at the . Come along with me as I have the pleasure of testing it out," Capata said 

As he strapped on his helmet to the laughter of the audience, Capata joked "safety first," and took off on his bike across the skate park.