NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT TASK FORCE (NITF) AND SOUTHWEST LAKE FOREST PROJECT

Welcome to the Neighborhood Improvement Task Force (NITF) and Southwest Lake Forest Project webpage. We are dedicated to making Southwest Lake Forest a better place to live, addressing the concerns of our residents, and enhancing the overall quality of life in our community. 

About Us

In 2021, the City of Lake Forest recognized the need to take action and improve the Southwest Lake Forest neighborhood. This initiative began in response to the concerns raised by residents during the City's biannual Community Satisfaction Survey in 2021. The Neighborhood Improvement Task Force (NITF) was established to identify and address these neighborhood issues.

Our Mission

The NITF's mission is to create a safer, more pleasant, thriving environment in Southwest Lake Forest. We strive to enhance the quality of life for all residents by addressing key concerns related to lighting, parking, noise, crime, property maintenance, street sweeping, and more. 

Our Work

First Neighborhood Assessment

The NITF's first major project involved conducting a door-to-door survey of residents in the area bounded by Muirlands Boulevard, El Toro Road, and Rockfield Boulevard. We engaged a public affairs and community outreach firm to gather empirical information from residents. We also held a community pop-up event where residents could interact with City and Fire Authority personnel and other agencies to obtain information and resources. 

   

Based on the findings, we developed an action plan to address the concerns of the community. Several projects have been initiated and completed to improve the quality of life in this neighborhood.

Click here for the SWLF Neighborhood Improvement Needs Assessment Report (2021)

Concern	Solution	Timeline
Speeding	Add reflectors on stop signs and "Dip Ahead" sign.	Complete
Red Curb Markings	Add markings on Jutewood Place and La Vaca Street.	Complete
Lighting	Add lighting at the end of Packer for safety.	Complete
Crime (Part 1)	Launch Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent Programs.	Complete
Crime (Part 2)	Increase Orange County Sheriff's patrols.	Ongoing
Parking/Street Sweeping	Increase parking permits and parking restrictions.	Ongoing
Noise	Work with neighboring businesses and initiate code cases if necessary.	Complete
Landscaping	Code Enforcement inspections and educate residents on regulations.	Complete
Property Maintenance	Educate the community about regulations. Note: The City cannot force property owners to make maintenance upgrades. The City's Code Enforcement can address concerns that pose a health hazard or safety risk.	Complete
Homelessness	Increase Orange County Sheriff's patrols.	Complete

Second Neighborhood Assessment (Current Project)

 

Building upon the success of the first neighborhood assessment, the NITF has selected a second subject neighborhood within the boundaries of El Toro Road, Rockfield Boulevard, Gowdy Avenue, and Cavanaugh Road. This area is home to 213 residential properties and 43 businesses. We are committed to implementing strategies to address the concerns of residents and make this neighborhood a better place for everyone. 

Current Projects

The Southwest Lake Forest Task Force has created a list of key assessment issues to address that were identified during the door-to-door surveys. Many of these projects are already underway or completed. We are continually working to address the concerns raised by the community and improve the neighborhood.

Click here for the SWLF Neighborhood Improvement Needs Assessment Report (2023)

Concern	Solution	Timeline
Conduct Neighborhood Lighting Assessment	Evaluate and develop an action plan to improve neighborhood lighting to enhance perceptions of safety and security.	- In Progress - A lighting assessment will be completed as part of the Cavanaugh Park project.
Promote Enhanced Property Maintenance and Compliance / Distribute Code Enforcement Checklist	Educate residents on the responsibility to maintain their properties. This can be achieved through a "code enforcement checklist" flyer or postcard detailing resident responsibilities, especially regarding landscaping.	- Complete - The flyer will be distributed with a final outreach mailer.
Host a Neighborhood Clean-Up Day	Encourage and empower residents to dispose of unwanted/unused items in their homes.	- In Progress - Staff is working to identify resources and partners such as CalTrans Clean California Community Days
Assess Street Parking on Gowdy Avenue	Evaluate street parking on Gowdy Ave. to address issues brought up by residents. Specifically, address "road blockages" created by vehicles parked alongside Gowdy Ave. where the road curves.	- Complete - Street parking was evaluated and adjustments were made to improve traffic flow. Staff is exploring temporary options at the "dead end" of Ridge Route that may alleviate the situation. Parking sign relocated on the curve.
Proactive Street Sweeping Enforcement and Signage	Evaluate the addition of street sweeping signs to inform residents and other drivers of the sweeping schedule. This may assist in deterring vehicles that reportedly do not move on street sweeping day. Proactive enforcement and ticketing may also serve as an additional deterrent.	- Complete - A new Parking Enforcement Officer has been hired and is currently conducting enforcement in the area.
Assess Traffic Concerns for Action	Yield sign on Rockfield Boulevard and El Toro Road (increased reported speeding incidents on Cavanaugh Road and Dune Mear Road)	- Complete - Installed a free-right turn lane, advanced yield triangles/signs, and additional pedestrian crossing signs to alert the motorists of the crossing.
Address Bridger Road Access Point	To address concerns with the entry point, consult with planning professionals to assess solutions available to redesign/close Bridger Road. The access point is believed to facilitate the entry of homeless individuals into the neighborhood.	- Ongoing - Some minor landscaping and wood fencing were added at the entrance. A full assessment and park improvements will be made as part of the Cavanaugh Park upgrades (2024/25).
Address Concerns with Bridger Road Property	Given the negative perceptions residents have of this building and the multiple illegal marijuana dispensaries that have been housed at this location, it is important that the City maintain constant communication with the property owner to encourage them to maintain the property, and trash bins, and do their due diligence before allowing a new business to operate.	- Complete -  Staff successfully worked with property owners who slurried parking lots, installed a trash enclosure, and added a barrier at freeway access.  Wall repaired adjacent to the park entrance (see photos below).
Noise Level Education	Distribute information to businesses in shopping centers adjacent to the subject neighborhood regarding City noise ordinance and discuss noise reports during early hours with management at Home Depot. A conversation should also take place with the agency that owns the construction vehicles on Ridge Route to share resident complaints regarding the noise caused by the trucks entering and exiting the street.	- Complete - The delivery schedule has been changed to more appropriate hours. Code Enforcement will continue to monitor and enforce code.  Public Works has notified the contractor to ensure compliance with City noise standards.
Reimagine Cavanaugh Park	Evaluate the feasibility of redesigning Cavanaugh Park to remove reported opportunities for homeless activity and crime (walls, berms, hedges). Residents would also like to see a new playground that expands access to older age groups.	- First Phase Complete - Minor improvements in response to CPTED input (bushes removed, fencing replaced, etc.) - Next - CIP budget in place and RFP in progress for a design consultant.
Increase Patrolling	Evaluate the feasibility of increasing patrolling in the areas that reported criminal and drug activity: Cavanaugh Rd. Dune Mear Rd. Gowdy Ave. Eaglemont Ave. Red Robin Way Lake Forest Marketplace	- Complete/Ongoing - OCSD provided increased patrol and compiled patrol data for the Southwest area spanning from May 2023 to March 2024. The data summary included calls through dispatch and self-initiated calls, crime reports taken, and the sum of time expended by the deputies to handle calls.
Graffiti	Assess opportunities to enhance graffiti removal response time.	- Complete/Ongoing - Removed within 24 hours of City notification. Ongoing monitoring and removal. CPTED assessments to be considered as part of park improvements.
Raise Awareness of City's Efforts to Address Issues Related to Homelessness	In response to the reported significant presence of residents experiencing homelessness in the residential and business areas, it may be beneficial for community and business stakeholders to be informed of the City's general efforts to address this issue.	- Complete/Ongoing -  Last year, a Community Outreach Specialist was hired. Working with OCSD, they have regularly made contact with individuals who are added to the intake list for temporary housing. A resource flyer has been created, a homeless crisis drop-down tab on the City website with resources has been added, and a possible symposium will be held to inform stakeholders and the community of City efforts.
Neighborhood Watch Program	Educate and encourage residents in the subject neighborhood to form a neighborhood watch program.	- In Progress - Two meetings have taken place. NextDoor posts to be created. Flyers will be distributed to the area to recruit new members.
Beautification	Improved landscaping on Rockfield Blvd.	- In Progress -  The City's Landscape Administrator inspected Rockfield areas, primarily turf grass with some trees. These areas are being considered for a future xeriscape renovation project, similar to the pilot project near El Toro Road and Santa Margarita Parkway. Anticipated to begin in early to mid-2025.
Infrastructure Repairs (Underground Power Lines)	Evaluate and address the merits of resident reports regarding underground power lines.	- Complete - Staff has educated the requesting parties on the financial cost/process (FAQ below)
Short-Term Rentals	Ensure that the property on Duryea has a permit to operate a short-term rental business. Investigate allegations that the property rents rooms on a nightly basis.	- Complete - Code Enforcement staff investigated and addressed issues. No Current Concerns
Assess Needs for a City Facility in South Lake Forest	Assess opportunities to establish a City facility in South Lake Forest to meet community needs.	- In Progress - Staff is collaborating with commercial property owners in the southwest Lake Forest area to explore the feasibility of setting up a police paperwork processing space.
Promote Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)	Given the proximity of this neighborhood to the freeway; it may be beneficial for residents in this neighborhood to participate in the program.	- Complete - No current interest/residents from that specific area. Collab w/ pop-up for neighborhood watch TBD.

 

City staff also identified additional assessments for the following:

Concern	Solution	Timeline
Neighborhood Pride Paint Program	Update the policy and allocate more funds to the paint program.	- In Progress -
Community Preservation Project	Staff is currently drafting an outline for the Community Preservation Program. It will offer a range of volunteer services aimed at addressing basic property maintenance for residents in need. City staff envisions granting budgeted funds to a qualified non-profit or other consultant who would lead the program.	- In Progress - Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to be released end of September 2024
Bulk Disposal  Information	Create information on how to dispose of large items to distribute to residents.	- Complete - Information added to the City Website at www.lakeforestca.gov/en/departments/public-works/trash-and-recycling/residential-services
Enhance Communications	Addition of a “Resources” subpage to the City website for direct resources and links to programs currently directly available to residents. Continue to educate and encourage residents to download My360 App - 60% of residents who responded to the online survey reported not being aware of the City’s app. Mailers/Doorhangers/Flyers - methods of communication may be more effective in this area.	- Complete -  Door-to-door assessment for property maintenance survey conducted in February 2023.

 

Next Steps

We are in the process of addressing concerns in the southwest Lake Forest neighborhood between Rockfield Boulevard, Ridge Route Drive, and Gowdy Avenue. Door-to-door surveys of over 240 homes within the area were completed in April 2023. The City has compiled the data collected from residents and staff is implementing an action plan to address these neighborhood concerns. 

Before                                                            After

   

Multiple code violations, including graffiti, water quality, and issues with trash containers were addressed when the property owner constructed a new enclosure and removed graffiti.

 Before                                                        After

   

Bushes were removed and replaced at Cavanaugh Park implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to allow a line-of-sight. This is a multi-disciplinary approach to crime prevention based on the principles of designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior. While these initial steps have made a positive impact, future plans are underway to redesign the park as a whole.

Before                                                        After

   

A residential wall was at risk of falling at the end of Bridger Road. Code Enforcement worked with the property owner to repair the damage.

General Neighborhood Survey (Area 2 - East)

Third Neighborhood Assessment (Upcoming Project)

The City of Lake Forest’s Neighborhood Improvement Task Force (NITF) continues to make strides in enhancing community well-being in Southwest Lake Forest. Following the successful completion of the first two project phases, the NITF is now gearing up for its next endeavor, Area 3. This upcoming project will encompass a larger area, stretching from El Toro Road to the west, Rockfield Blvd to the north, I-5 freeway to the south, and reaching the City’s most easterly boundary to the east. The project will address both residential and commercial zones, ensuring a comprehensive approach to neighborhood improvement.

Project Area 3

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Currently, the City staff is actively seeking proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a detailed neighborhood survey and develop the project assessment report. The NITF’s continuity of expertise is ensured as the City’s Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) consultant, who has provided valuable insights in the past, will remain involved. His role will be to support the staff with informative assessments and to help implement strategies that have proven effective in fostering safer, more vibrant communities. The kickoff for Area 3 is anticipated for this fall, marking another significant step towards the City’s commitment to its residents and businesses.

Get Involved

Your input and participation are crucial to our efforts. We invite you to get involved by attending our community meetings, volunteering, or simply sharing your thoughts and concerns. Together, we can make Southwest Lake Forest a better place to live. 

For more information or to stay updated on our progress, please contact us or follow us on social media. Your voice matters, and together we can build a stronger and more vibrant community in Southwest Lake Forest!

https://www.lakeforestca.gov/en/contact-ask-us

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Underground Power Lines

SCE has 3 “Rule 20 Undergrounding Programs. Each category of Rule 20 addresses different funding mechanisms and qualifications for undergrounding existing overhead utility lines.

Rule 20A is funded by all of SCE’s ratepayers throughout the service area using Rule 20A work credits but only for projects deemed to create a general public benefit by satisfying at least one qualifying criterion. Also, SCE discontinued allocating new Rule 20A work credits on December 31, 2022.

Rule 20B projects enable limited ratepayer subsidies for undergrounding utility lines for projects that do not qualify under Rule 20A and are a minimum of 600 feet or one city block in length. Rule 20B applicants are most frequently developers, but can also be cities and counties, groups of property owners, or individual property owners or customers. Local governments typically collect Rule 20B funding from the municipality’s general fund or through the formation of a local assessment district.  

Most Rule 20B projects can be completed in less than two years with the exception of larger Assessment District projects that involve an Engineering Assessment phase as well as a vote by the affected property owners.

Based on a review of completed Rule 20B projects over the past several years, costs range from $250,000 to $1,700,000, with the average Rule 20B project completed for approximately $570,000. These costs do not include the service laterals on private property and any modifications needed to meter panels to accept underground service as this work is performed by others. Costs will be considerably higher for an Assessment District project that may contain several hundred customers and properties.

Rule 20C projects includes any conversion of existing overhead facilities with underground facilities requested by an applicant, that does not fulfill the requirements of either a 20A or 20B. The cost for a rule 20C conversion is borne solely by the applicant. Rule 20C project costs can also vary depending upon the size and length of the project. Based on a review of completed Rule 20C projects over the past several years, costs range from $25,000 to over $1,000,000 with the average Rule 20C project completed for approximately $250,000. Most Rule 20C projects can be completed in less than 12 months.

https://www.sce.com/regulatory/distribution-manuals/rule20-underground-conversions

Neighborhood Concerns? Contact Us

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The City also works with the County of Orange to provide resources and services to residents who need housing assistance. Lake Forest offers a variety of programs including, housing rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, rental assistance, and more.

Click here for more information on the programs the City offers.