Page 2 - Phil Kohn News Today

Laguna Beach has agreed to a five-year term for legal services with Best Best & Krieger, LLP. Megan Garibaldi, a partner at the firm, has been designated the city attorney and will begin on Sept. 11.

The hypocrisy and malfeasance of city management is stunning. At its May 16 meeting, city council proclaimed June 2 National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Laguna. Yet on May 2, fully knowing that Mo Honarkar was no longer the owner/operator of 14 West hotel and Hotel Laguna, senior city officials allowed him and 16 armed subordinates to storm violently into the hotels. 

A request from the Montcalm County Planning Commission resulted in the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners questioning whether a county Planning Commission is even needed anymore. In Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting packet was a request from the county Planning Commission to reappoint a county commissioner to the Planning Commission “as soon as possible” as the current commissioner assigned to this role — Commissioner Phil Kohn of Edmore — has not attended any of the Planning...

A former Montcalm County commissioner accused the current board on Monday of holding “a secret meeting” before turning down a request from the Commission on Aging director while “belittling and bullying” him. Kathy Bresnahan of Pine Township, who serves on the Commission on Aging Board, also referenced an email from Charles “Chuck” Hazekamp of Stanton, who also serves on the CoA Board.

Jeff Wells, who had been on administrative leave, supervised at least four departments that were accused of corruption and mismanagement during his tenure.

Deputy County Manager Jeff Wells was placed on paid administrative leave after discussing his son’s discipline with a county attorney.

By Michèle MondaA sound democracy depends upon transparent governance – something Laguna seems to be lacking lately. The California Public Record Act Request (CPRA) entitles the public to information from the City. Unfortunately, Laguna officials are using specious exceptions to deny the release of information to the public and press.

A historic preservation coalition sued the Coastal Commission, claiming the panel failed to properly review the Laguna Beach Downtown Specific Plan.

A closed session item related to a local police union’s survey of employees was pulled from discussion by the Laguna Beach City Council's agenda Tuesday.

The War on Drugs has never really been about eradicating illegal drugs. It's been about putting up numbers: seizures, busts...