The City of Lake Forest has adopted a multi-pronged approach to homelessness to ensure the rights and dignity of those experiencing homelessness as well as the safety and comfort of residents and business owners. Those who need to access City resources related to homelessness should:

Remember, homelessness is not a crime. The law does not prevent individuals from sitting, laying or sleeping in public if no existing shelter bed is available. In Martin versus City of Boise (9th Circle 2018) 902 F.3d 1031, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment precludes the enforcement of a statute or ordinance prohibiting sleeping outside against homeless individuals with no access to a shelter. The Court ruled, "So long as there is a greater number of homeless individuals in (a jurisdiction) than the number of available beds (in shelters), the jurisdiction cannot prosecute homeless individuals for involuntarily sitting, lying, and sleeping in public."

Click here to read an overview of the impacts of the Martin v. Boise decision in the Los Angeles Times. 

The Lake Forest City Council in August directed the City Attorney to file a "friend of the court" brief in support of the City of Boise, which has petitioned the United States Supreme Court to overturn the decision.

Click here to read the brief filed by the seven South OC Cities.

The Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

While some programs are available to help those experiencing homelessness, it often takes time to gain the trust of individuals to learn enough information about them to find an appropriate program, or to help them to enter a program. The City employs a full-time Sheriff's Deputy as a Homeless Liaison Officer and contracts with the nonprofit Mercy House and to help those experiencing homelessness get off the streets.

Have more questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions On Homelessness Webpage.

 

A Dozen Non-Profit Agencies Educate Residents on the Fight Against Homelessness

Trends in addressing homelessness in Orange County and the critical efforts of non-profit groups were the main topics of the City's "Homeless Resources Information Night" on Wednesday, June 28, at the Lake Forest Civic Center.

Attendees learned of the laws guiding government response to homelessness as well as the resources and support going into addressing the issue. 

Click here to learn more about what was discussed at the event.

 

Residents Find Answers at Lake Forest Homelessness Town Hall

Residents took advantage of the opportunity to talk to the people working to solve homelessness at the Homelessness Town Hall on May 18, 2022, at the Lake Forest Civic Center.

Those attending learned about Lake Forest's multi-faceted approach to solving homelessness, as well as the legal and other challenges that add to the complexity of the issue. 

Participating agencies included:

Click here for questions and answers from the Homelessness Town Hall.

 

Interacting with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

  • Do answer questions with a firm "No"
  • Do treat homeless individuals with respect
  • Do make donations or volunteer with organizations helping the homeless
  • Do notify the Lake Forest Homeless Engagement and Resources Team (LFHEART) of homeless individuals by calling 282-5219 or emailing LFHEART.
  • Don't encourage panhandling by giving money
  • Don't allow anyone to camp or loiter on private property, including HOA property

The City of Lake Forest encourages residents to give if they choose, but give responsibly. By donating to a charity that serves those experiencing homelessness rather than directly to the individual, it encourages the individual to reach out to an organization ready and able to bring long-term help. 

 

 

What Lake Forest is Doing to Prevent Homelessness

Through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Lake Forest partners with nonprofit organizations that assist at-risk families and those experiencing homelessness. Our partners include:

Families Forward: Families Forward provides assistance through housing, food, counseling, education and other support services. In 2017, Families Forward assisted 167 households and 582 individuals with homeless-prevention services, which can include rental subsidies, case management, a food pantry, life-skills workshops and transitional housing units, some of which are located in Lake Forest.

Family Assistance Ministries: Family Assistance Ministries provides food, supportive counsel, rental-assistance programs, an interim shelter for homeless single women and mothers with children, Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-housing Programs.

South County Outreach: South County Outreach (SCO) helps those in crisis reach self-sufficiency by providing food, rental and utility assistance, homeless prevention counseling, housing, computer training, clothing and other seasonal programs. SCO offers a food pantry in Irvine and rapid re-housing as well as transitional re-housing, including 11 condominiums in Lake Forest that serve homeless families with minor children. South County Outreach assisted 1,458 Lake Forest residents in 2017, which included 132 calls to prevent eviction.

Affordable Housing Program: Lake Forest has more than 500 affordable units, including 187 apartments in Baker Ranch. In Portola Hills, construction will begin on a 56-unit affordable complex for seniors, and 18 additional affordable units will be built with the new homes. The City also has an agreement with with National Community Renaissance that dedicated $3.76 million in-lieu of housing fees to build affordable housing in Lake Forest.

Homeless Resource Information and Networking Night

June 28, 2023

More than 90 people had the opportunity to meet with a dozen non-profit agencies on the front lines of fighting homelessness in Orange County during the Lake Forest Homeless Information Night in June.

Ninety percent of respondents to the 2023 Lake Forest Resident and Business Satisfaction Survey said addressing homelessness was the most important task facing the City’s Community Services Department, which manages Lake Forest parks. Lake Forest, like many cities, relies on a team of specially trained OC Sheriff’s Deputies and outreach workers from the non-profit Mercy House to get to know homeless individuals and place them in housing or treatment, whichever is appropriate. The City Council in June approved funding for a new staff member that would work with homeless individuals as well.

Among the non-profit organizations that attended the Lake Forest meeting were the County of Orange, the United Way, Saddleback Church, South County Outreach, Mercy House, and the Friendship Shelter from Laguna Beach. Current case law, Martin v. Boise, makes dealing with individuals experiencing homelessness a challenge, because the law prohibits cities from enforcing anti-camping, loitering, and similar laws. Individuals cannot be forced into housing or treatment, which is why it is important for the teams to build the individuals’ trust and guide them into proper programs.

The event included a presentation from Christina Weckerly Ramirez, the Orange County Outreach and Engagement Division Manager.  The Outreach and Engagement team helps individuals experiencing homelessness. Those in need of help can call (800) 364-2221.

The County also has OC Links, a behavioral health services line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. OC Links uses trained Behavioral Health Clinicians to provide information, referrals, links to programs, education, and other resources. The clinicians can even dispatch field evaluation teams. Callers to OC Links, (855) 625-4657, can those needing help, or family members or friends.

The June event was the City’s third forum. The first garnered residents’ input about the homeless issue. The second allowed homeless resource providers to explain their programs, while the June event allowed attendees to speak directly the service providers. Future events will be announced on the City’s social media channels. 

Click here for the PowerPoint Presentation given during the meeting.

Other Resources

  • The Orange County Office of Care Coordination has an assessment of homeless services in Orange County as well as a list of available resources and other information.
  • Dial 2-1-1 or (888) 600-4357 or view the 211 website for information, referrals and assistance to food, shelters and human services.
  • Orange County Health Care Agency Outreach and Engagement team reaches out to individuals who are at risk or struggling with homelessness, mental health and/or substance abuse problems. Call (800) 364-2221.
  • The Homeless Multi-Service Center, a drop-in center for homeless individuals with mental illness or co-occurring disorders, is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at 2416 S. Main St., Santa Ana. Transportation may be available. Call (714) 668-1530.
  • The Comprehensive Health Assessment Team - Homeless allows Public Health Nurses to provide targeted nursing case management for Orange County residents who are in housing crisis. Clients are seen in shelters, soup kitchens, motels and on the streets. Call (714) 834-8498.
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2022 Business Survey


Social Media Accounts:

Please select all social media outlets that your business currently utilizes.

Social Media
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
Has your business/organization been negatively impacted by COVID-19?
Has your business/organization been negatively impacted by COVID-19?
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
If you could receive an assistance grant, how much would your business/organization need to properly recover?
If you could receive an assistance grant, how much would your business/organization need to properly recover?
If you selected "more", please submit your response here.
If you are a restaurant, have you used outdoor dining during the Pandemic and would you like to continue or enhance outdoor dining?
If you are a restaurant, have you used outdoor dining during the Pandemic and would you like to continue or enhance outdoor dini
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
If you responded "yes" or "other", how long would you like to continue to have the ability to conduct outdoor operations?
If you responded "yes" or "other", how long would you like to continue to have the ability to conduct outdoor operations?
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
What type of assistance would be helpful for your business/organization now and in the future? (Select all that apply)
What type of assistance would be helpful for your business/organization now and in the future? (Select all that apply)
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Address
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2023 Community Services Commission

Notice

The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Community Services Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

The Community Services Commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to the acquisition, development, and maintenance of public parks and recreational facilities. The Commission also advises the City Council on matters relating to recreational programs and provides advice to the Community Services Department.

This Commission meets the Wednesday after the first City Council meeting of each month, at 6:30 p.m. Commission members pledge upon appointment to represent the overall public good and not that of an exclusive group or interest and will sign an Ethics Policy upon appointment to the Commission. The City assigns a staff liaison to work with the Commission and facilitate communication between the Commission and the City Council.

In addition to attending the regular monthly Commission meetings, Commissioners are expected to periodically attend and participate in City programs and activities. Commissioners receive a salary of $59 per meeting, not to exceed $118 per month.

Address
One file only.
2 GB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

Please limit your responses to 100 words each for Questions 7-10.

Tell us about your relationships to Current Council Members or Employees. Please limit your responses to 50 words each for Questions 11-13.

Tell us about your understanding of government: Please limit your comments to 100 words each for Questions 14 & 15.

Tell us about your vision for the City: Please limit your comments to 200 words each for Questions 16-18.

Attachments

The following attachments are part of the reference materials for the application:

Applicant Verification

I attest to the following: 1. I am a legal resident of the City of Lake Forest. 2. I am registered to vote in the City of Lake Forest. 3. I am able to attend Community Services Commission meetings that are regularly scheduled on the Wednesday following the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 4. I have submitted a Statement of Economic Interest, in accordance with the Political Reform Act. 5. I understand this application is a Public Record and may be made available to members of the public upon request, with personal contact information redacted. The information provided in this application is true and accurate.

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2023 Planning Commission Application

Notice

The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Planning Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

The City's Planning Commission is a decision-making body tasked with reviewing matters related to planning and development in the City. The Planning Commission consists of five members which are appointed by the City- Council with Commissioners serving four-year terms. Typical projects reviewed by the Planning Commission include applications for new development, proposed changes in zoning or the text of the Municipal Code, as well as review proposed subdivisions of land. The Planning Commission is also responsible for making recommendations to the City Council as to whether a project or action would be consistent with the General Plan.

The Commission meets on the same week in which the City Council holds their first meeting of the month on Thursdays and meetings commence at 6:30 p.m. In addition to attending the regular monthly Commission meetings, Commissioners are expected to periodically attend and participate in City programs and activities.

Commissioners receive a salary of $118 per meeting, not to exceed $236 per month.

Address
One file only.
2 GB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

Please limit your responses to 100 words each for Questions 7-10.

Tell us about your relationships to Current Council Members or Employees. Please limit your responses to 50 words each for Questions 11-13.

Tell us about your understanding of government: Please limit your comments to 100 words each for Questions 14 & 15.

Tell us about your vision for the City: Please limit your comments to 200 words each for Questions 16-18.

Attachments

The following attachments are part of the reference materials for the application:

Applicant Verification

I attest to the following: 1. I am a legal resident of the City of Lake Forest. 2. I am registered to vote in the City of Lake Forest. 3. I am able to attend Planning Commission meetings that are regularly scheduled on the same week in which the City Council holds their first meeting of the month on Thursdays and meetings commence at 6:30 p.m. 4. I have submitted a Statement of Economic Interest, in accordance with the Political Reform Act. 5. I understand this application is a Public Record and may be made available to members of the public upon request, with personal contact information redacted. The information provided in this application is true and accurate.

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2023 Traffic and Parking Commission

Notice

The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Traffic and Parking Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023. There is currently one seat available on the commission.

The Traffic and Parking Commission advises the City Council on issues relating to parking and the safe and efficient movement of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other modes of transportation upon the circulation network of the City. The Commission will provide recommendations related to traffic and parking including, but not limited to traffic and parking related field studies, requests for traffic control devices, requests for permit parking and street sweeping parking restrictions, and other related matters.

This Commission meets the Monday prior to the first City Council meeting of each month, at 6:30 p.m. Commission members pledge upon appointment to represent the overall public good and not that of an exclusive group or interest and will sign an Ethics Policy upon appointment to the Commission. The City assigns a staff liaison to work with the Commission and facilitate communication between the Commission and the City Council. In addition to attending the regular monthly Commission meetings, Commissioners are expected to periodically attend and participate in City programs and activities.

Commissioners receive a salary of $118 per meeting, not to exceed $236 per month.

Address
One file only.
2 GB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

Please limit your responses to 100 words each for Questions 7-10.

Tell us about your relationships to Current Council Members or Employees. Please limit your responses to 50 words each for Questions 11-13.

Tell us about your understanding of government: Please limit your comments to 100 words each for Questions 14 & 15.

Tell us about your vision for the City: Please limit your comments to 200 words each for Questions 16-18.

Attachments

The following attachments are part of the reference materials for the application:

Applicant Verification

I attest to the following: 1. I am a legal resident of the City of Lake Forest. 2. I am registered to vote in the City of Lake Forest. 3. I am able to attend Traffic and Parking Commission meetings that are regularly scheduled the Monday prior to the first City Council meeting each month ar 6:30 p.m. 4. I have submitted a Statement of Economic Interest, in accordance with the Political Reform Act. 5. I understand this application is a Public Record and may be made available to members of the public upon request, with personal contact information redacted. The information provided in this application is true and accurate.

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This form is for businesses that are physically located at a Lake Forest address.

 

Business Address
Please enter Mailing Address information, if different from Business Address.
Home-Based Business?
If yes, you do not need to enter Property Manager Contact Information on the following page.

Commercial Business Additional Information

Applicable if you are a commercial or a home-based business.

Reason(s) for locating Business in Lake Forest:

Property Manager Contact Information

Applicable if you are leasing or own commercial property.

PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE A HOME-BASED BUSINESS.

Property Manager Address

Business Watch - Emergency Contact Information

Please complete the following emergency contact information if your business wishes to participate in the Orange County Sheriff's Department "Business Watch Program". You will be contacted and provided with additional information and receive a "Business Watch" decal.

PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE A HOME-BASED BUSINESS.

More Information on Lake Forest Business Watch:

Business Watch | Lake Forest, CA

To learn more about the Lake Forest Business Watch Program, please visit the link above.

Please enter the name of an individual to call in case of an emergency. They must have keys to your business.
Please enter the name of an individual to call in case of an emergency. They must have keys to your business.
Do you have an alarm system?
Do you have surveillance cameras?

Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Membership

Membership Application

Joining the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce offers numerous opportunities to network, gain valuable experience, expand your business, and more. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, select the link above.

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CCA

Address
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City of Lake Forest SMS Sign Up

Please provide the following information to join the waiting list for the Lake Forest CERT program.
Previous Experience Please check all that apply
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Expand the Forest

Expand the Forest Beautification Program

Public Works Department | 100 Civic Center Dr. | Lake Forest, Ca 92630 | (949) 461 - 3493


Applicant Information

Address

Note: Due to the health and wellbeing of the selected trees, plantings will occur only from October 1st though December 1st and March 1st through June 1st. Staff will contact you during this time frame. Dedication plaques are not allowed. 


Location

 

Disclaimer: If a planting date cannot be arranged, the tree(s) will be planted by the end of the planting period. 

 


Type of Tree


Dedication

The City Council Certificate: The dedication and sponsor(s) information will appear on the City Council signed certificate mailed to you after the tree planting has occurred.

(Example: In loving memory of John Doe, a great friend and co-worker) 


Payment

The cost of the Expand the Forest Program is $93.00/15 gallon tree. 

If Paying by Check, Mail to:

City of Lake Forest
Expand the Forest Program
100 Civic Center Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630

If Paying with Cash, Bring to:

City of Lake Forest
100 Civic Center Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630

If Paying by Credit Card

Credit card payments are accepted through eLakeForest.com with a 3.29% service fee. Register for a new account through eLakeForest.com.

 

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Lake Forest eNewsletters

Thanks for your interest in joining our mailing list. Please choose from any of the following areas of interest, and you'll be automatically signed up to receive electronic newsletters.

Email Lists

By submitting this form, you are granting: City of Lake Forest, 25550 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest, California, 92630, United States, http://lakeforestca.gov permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

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Responsible Pet Ownership

Vet / Clinic:
20780 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 600-8310
23162 El Toro Frontage Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 (949) 837-5222
29040 Portola Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92630 (949) 380-1255
24301 Muirlands Blvd Ste P, Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 837-7660
22377 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 855-9744
3 Rancho Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 581-7979

Owner Information

City: Lake Forest

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Do you have an active Neighborhood Watch now?
Do you have an active Neighborhood Watch now?
If so, would you like representatives from the OC Sheriff’s Department and City to attend a meeting?
If so, would you like representatives from the OC Sheriff’s Department and City to attend a meeting?
Do you believe your association would be interested in the Safe Lake Forest program?
Do you believe your association would be interested in the Safe Lake Forest program?
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