Renovation Plans For Saddleback College Stadium Gain Supporters

Fall is coming soon, and with that football. Saddleback College could also have a new stadium soon if a local City Council has its way.

At its Tuesday evening meeting, members of the Laguna Niguel City Council unanimously agreed to send a letter of its support for a new sports stadium renovation to the college's board of trustees.

Jim Leach, first vice president on the Saddleback College Foundation Board of Governors, spoke in favor of the renovation.

"There is no facility to house our championship athletic teams, particularly football, between Santa Ana and San Diego," he said. "This facility that they have is inadequate, and frankly a problem for them."

The stadium serves the college, and is also used by Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Initially, the proposal began as a stadium renovation and a new wellness center. However, both projects together were deemed not feasible, as determined by the board’s fundraising firm. 

However, the stadium renovation was deemed feasible according to Leach "due to the interest in the sport, the status of the teams and the large percentage of players who go on to four-year colleges."

Council Member Robert Ming said as the project goes forward, the board should perform traffic studies to assess traffic flow on game days.

With the approval, it is hoped that the profile of the college will be raised among young athletes and their families, Leach said.

"It is in fact the college of choice for such a large percentage of our young people here in South Orange County," Leach said. "It’s also what we like to refer to on the board as perhaps South County’s best kept secret."

The Saddleback College Foundation recently completed a feasibility study for the project and is in the process of garnering community support and raising the $25.5 million needed to build the stadium, said Jenny McCue, spokeswoman for Saddleback College. Once the plans and funding are in place, the project would go before the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees for final approval.

Other Presentations:

Leach also made a presentation about the South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce, for which he is the CEO. The 40-year brand has 450 members and advocates for businesses locally in the South Orange County region. 

In particular, the organization receives community input on infrastructure projects and advocates for the community. Areas that the organization advocates for include ensuring the availability of modern and reliable energy, and water sources, supporting and fostering greater investment in transportation investment, and promoting workforce development opportunities.

For more information, visit economiccoalition.com 

In Other Council News:

• It was unanimously passed to approve the use of FY 2012-2013/SLEF funds for the continued support of the Deputy Sheriff II/Motorcycle Officer position and related expenses.
• It was unanimously approved to allow the on-going exclusive use of a portion of Salt Creek Regional Trail for the annual Halloween Half Marathon event.
• The , and the community is encouraged to visit the state-of-the art, high-tech facility.

Upcoming Events:

• Saturday, Aug. 25: Car wash with sailors of the USS McClusky at Plaza De La Paz from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday Aug. 25: Free shredding event at the City Hall parking lot, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy., from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until trucks reach capacity.

The City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the  at City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy.