Antiairport Measure Gets Council Support

The city waded into the debate over three measures on the March 26 ballot, endorsing two of them and taking no position on the third.

The Laguna Beach City Council voted 4 to 0 Tuesday night to support Measures S, which opposes converting the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a civilian airport.

“Clearly, this is an issue that the City Council needs to take a very strong stand on,” said Councilwoman Kathleen Blackburn.

She said the airport proposal would increase the number of planes flying over Laguna Beach homes.

Laguna Beach residents have rallied to back the measure, which has gained broad support from neighborhood associations, environmental groups and the Chamber of Commerce.

The council also voted 4 to 0 to support Measure T, designed to restructure county government in the wake of last year’s bankruptcy, which was prompted by a $1.64-billion loss in the county’s investment pool.

The charter would limit the policymaking duties of the Board of Supervisors while establishing a strong chief executive officer to handle daily county business.

Councilman Wayne J. Baglin abstained from voting on both measures, saying he does not believe it is appropriate for council members to take such stands.

Council members also discussed but made no motion on Measure U, which would increase from five to nine the number of county supervisors.