Bates walks to victory

Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates was reelected Tuesday, running unopposed for the first time in her 25-year political career.

Her focus in the new term will pretty much mirror the priorities of her first term.

In a presentation she made in May to the Laguna Canyon Conservancy, Bates talked about issues she is working on that are of importance to Laguna Beach, including the Aliso Creek Restoration Project.

“I also will continue to seek assistance from our Washington delegation for federal funding to restore this important South County resource,” Bates said.

Bates began her career in public service as a parent working for safer streets for school children. She was elected to the Laguna Niguel City Council and then to the state legislature. She was first elected supervisor in 2006.

Bates serves on the boards of the Orange County Transit Authority and Transportation Corridor Agencies — in which Laguna has never participated due to its opposition to the San Joaquin Hills Corridor, also known as the 73 Toll Road.

DeVore defeated

70th District Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, who represents Laguna Beach in Sacramento, came in second behind top vote-getter Carly Fiorina for the Republican challenge to incumbent Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer.

City Council race

Incumbent candidates Elizabeth Pearson and Kelly Boyd were to speak at an Art Alliance meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. today at the Laguna Art Museum.

Sen. Tom Harman aide Emanuel Patrascu has been invited to join them, although he has not yet made a formal announcement of his intention to run — anticipated any day now.

Toni Iseman, also undeclared at this time, is not expected to attend the meeting, due to another commitment.

Forum dates

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce reserved the City Council chambers for a candidates’ forum on Sept. 15, way back in January.

Chamber officials are in discussions with other groups that might be interested in co-sponsoring the forum, which might draw a bigger crowd.

“It makes sense to do one full-house event,” chamber Executive Director Rose Hancock said. “It is a waste of time for the candidates to speak at six forums, each with six people in the audience.”