lagunabeachindy . com JULY 19 , 2024 15
GUEST OPINION :
Will There Be Double Whammy Impacts in Laguna Beach from SB-4 and SB-9 ?
By RogeR BUtoW
“ The road to Hell is paved with good intentions .” Portuguese proverb
While everyone reacts to the proposed Related California / Neighborhood Congregational Church ( RC / NCC ) massive redevelopment project , the potential long-term effects of Senate bills SB-4 and SB-9 should be on our public square radar screen .
Both were written to codify a commitment to amplifying and expediting building and investment opportunities in a state trying to catch up regarding the affordable housing crisis . Perhaps too hastily certified , they include numerous fast-tracked permit processing “ corner-cutters .”
Here in “ Lifeboat Laguna ,” the full implementation of both , compounding and exacerbating each other , threatens all that we hold precious .
SB-9 could trigger islands of intensification and invasive urbanization when enabled by City Hall passivity or support . Greedy exploiters just awakening to the potential “ mini-development ” possibilities will prevail .
Considering this Council ’ s prodevelopment stance , the city manager their instrument , administrative approvals embraced , political patronage / nepotistic Design Review Board and Planning Commissioners seated ? City Hall ’ s already telegraphed their betrayal .
The consequences , whether foisted upon flatlanders or hill residents , the alarmed cries of outrage will become increasingly justified .
SB-9 , the “ California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency ( HOME ) Act ,” streamlines the process for a homeowner to create a duplex or subdivide an existing lot , up to four units ( including ADUs and junior ADUs ).
SB-9 avoids the California Subdivision Tract Map regulations , which require a robust , CEQA-
compliant assessment ( Initial Study flow chart ) if five or more units are proposed .
If in , or adjacent to , an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area ( ESHA ) typically found in our greener , fire-prone neighborhoods , then that robust CEQA review process shouldn ’ t be optional or voluntary .
SB-9 is a pro-development workaround , knowingly increases intergenerational wealth for a select few , at the diminishment of historical neighborhood integrity : “ Them that ’ s got shall get , them that ’ s not shall lose .”
OBITUARY
Dr . Carol Ummel Lindquist Olson
A Life of Love , Learning , and Leadership
Dr . Carol Ummel Lindquist Olson passed away peacefully on July 13 , 2024 , after a courageous battle with Parkinson ’ s Disease .
Born Carolyn Lockwood Ummel on Sept . 17 , 1947 , in Dayton , Ohio , to Clark and Carolyn Ummel , Carol was the eldest of four sisters , the matriarch of a sprawling family that has blossomed to over 35 members . In Southern California , Carol found both professional fulfillment and the love of her life , Neil Olson , whom she married in 1983 . Together , they built a life filled with love and shared adventures .
Carol ’ s legacy extends beyond her husband , Neil , to her loving sons , Clark Olson ( Kimberly Kronk ) and Alexander Olson ( Jen Coleman ), and her cherished grandchildren , Freya , Ronan , and Ryah . Her sisters , Allyn Ummel Kahle ( Vermont ), Gay Ummel ( Colorado ), and Larke Ummel Recchie ( Ohio ), were a constant source of strength and laughter , calling each other the “ fristers ” - friends who are sisters .
SB-4 declares a preemptive exemption ; hence , there are more applications by capital venture corporations , many from out of state . They ’ ll jeopardize existing neighborhood characteristics because they need not concede or offer exactions ( CEQA mitigations ).
Applicants will tout the “ upsides ,” never the neighborhood degradation , the “ downsides ,” verbiage wrapped in quasi-altruistic , humanitarian , soothing damage control jargon . Positioned as likely the first massive SB-4 religious institution redevelopment project in Orange County , we ’ re the crash test dummies
Her presence and wisdom blessed a vast network of nieces , nephews , grand-nieces and nephews , and cousins . She was , as her sisters described her , the north star of the extended family - the guide that encouraged each individual to be better versions of themselves .
Carol was a brilliant scholar , graduating from Farmersville High School , Ohio in 1965 and Miami University Oxford , Ohio , in 1969 with a bachelor of arts in psychology with honors . Her intellectual journey continued at the University of Illinois Urbana / Champaign , where she obtained a doctorate in clinical psychology .
A tenured professor at CSU Fullerton , a published author of “ Happily Married with Kids ,” and a respected clinical psychologist , Carol ’ s professional life was marked by brilliance and compassion . She touched countless people with her intuitive understanding and expertise , earning admiration and respect from students , clients , and colleagues alike .
After 22 fulfilling years at CSUF , Carol retired from teaching but continued her clinical practice in Laguna Beach up until 2021 , generously sharing her wisdom and compassion with her clients . Her final professional act was ensuring the seamless transition of her patients to qualified colleagues , a reflection of her lifelong commitment to helping others .
Beyond her academic pursuits , Carol was an instrument-rated private pilot . She also dedicated herself to causes close to her heart , including domestic violence prevention , treating trauma victims and public education . A via the RC / NCC project .
Laguna has several safety-related issues surrounding both bills as written , due to our unique street ’ s constricted configurations and first responder limitations . SB-9 does obliquely carve out , addresses some preemptively , but test cases will set precedents .
Uber-wealthy property owners will hire legal counsel to find and exploit loopholes . Our leadership has always been averse to risk , spineless when threatened , and unwilling to defend
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beloved member of the Laguna Beach community , she was an outspoken voice for the successful undergrounding of cables in Lower Temple Hills , pedestrian safety and was actively involved in the local schools , including SchoolPower . Even as Parkinson ’ s challenged her physically , her spirit remained indomitable . Daily walks down to the beach with Neil were a cherished ritual , a testament to their enduring love for each other and Laguna Beach .
Carol was a woman defined by her extraordinary capacity for love . A devoted wife , a nurturing mother , and a doting grandmother affectionately known as “ Bimo ,” she was the heart of her family . A natural leader and the undisputed matriarch of the Ummel clan , Carol possessed a unique ability to make everyone feel cherished and included . Carol was a member of the beloved “ Bad Girls ,” a group of close-knit psychologist friends who shared laughter , adventures and unwavering support . These bonds exemplify the depth of her friendships and her ability to bring joy into the lives of those around her .
Her intelligence , independence , and quick wit were widely admired , and she approached every role – wife , mother , sister , friend , professor , psychologist – with unwavering determination and excellence .
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date . In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation in memory of Carol .
PAID ANNOUNCEMENT