Aliso Viejo City Council Meeting Wrap-Up

The following is from Wednesday’s Aliso Viejo City Council meeting.

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O.C. Human Relations reports on hate crime

Judy Iannaccone of Orange County Human Relations gave an annual report to the council on its 2010 findings regarding hate crimes and race-related bullying in the area.

Aliso Viejo had one hate crime reported in 2010, according to Iannaccone and the California attorney general’s 2010 report. Orange County as a whole had 65 documented victims.

The nonprofit’s mission is to work with residents to promote understanding within the community and rid prejudice, discrimination and intolerance.

Iannaccone mentioned that after 9/11 there were many residents who reported prejudice due to others perceiving them as Middle Eastern or Muslim.

O.C. Human Relations has a listening network, where they hold meetings with residents to gauge existing discrimination in the area.

Of most concern, Iannaccone said, were repeated stories from parents about their children being bullied at school by their peers.

She mentioned examples such as verbal taunting, physical violence, their hijabs or head coverings being torn off, and students comparing them to terrorists.

Iannaccone presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mayor Carmen Cave and the city in appreciation of the city’s partnership.

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OCFA chief acknowledged

Cave recognized retiring Orange County Fire Authority Chief Ed Fleming with a commemorative city plaque.

Fleming, 54, served as OCFA division chief in Aliso Viejo for two years and has been a resident for 21 years.

“We’re going to miss seeing you,” Cave said. She then mentioned that Fleming surely will be seen about town.

He added that he will enjoy spending more time with his family.

Fleming mentioned some of the “great things that have transpired over the last few years” such as the Aliso Woods Pre-Fire Plan, AlertOC and a new engine.

— Joanna Clay

Twitter: @joannaclay