The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans),  the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), and Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are pursuing projects that will have some impact on residents and businesses in the City. At the 04/16/2019 City Council meeting, both agencies were invited to present informational updates to the Council about progress on their proposed regional roadway projects. Caltrans presented an update on the I-5/El Toro Road Interchange Project to City Council at the 07/18/2023 City Council meeting. Click here to see the presentation.

The City of Lake Forest is not a direct participant in making decisions about these projects but provides input on behalf of residents and businesses. If you would like to participate in public comments, public hearings, or upcoming workshops please visit the agency websites at the links below to find out more information on how you can voice your opinion and participate in the process.

PROJECT HISTORY

In February 2015, the Project Study Report (PSR) considered 15 alternatives, of which four build alternatives were recommended for further study. In May 2017, OCTA and Caltrans initiated the Environmental and Preliminary Engineering (PAED) phase. Two of the four alternatives were removed from further study.

From April-May 2019, a Draft Initial Study/Environmental Assessment (IS/EA) was circulated for public review for the proposed Project. Following this public review period, a consensus on a preferred alternative could not be achieved due to lack of local support. Hence, these alternatives will be eliminated from further consideration.

In October 2021, OCTA initiated an Alternatives Assessment Study in order to take “one more look” at the I-5/El Toro Road interchange, to see if there was any other alternative interchange configuration(s) that could be developed to handle the Southbound (SB) traffic existing at El Toro Road. The goal of the conceptual interchange configurations prepared during the Alternatives Assessment Study was to meet the Purpose & Need of the project, which would reduce traffic congestion, improve on & off-ramps operation (reduce off-ramp queuing), improve traffic flow, and traffic signal optimization for the SB traffic exiting at El Toro Road. This study looked at seven alternatives and recommended the following two Build Alternatives (under Project Alternatives below) for detailed evaluation. At the request of the Cities, Caltrans is also evaluating the Transportation System Management (TSM) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Alternative as a standalone build alternative as discussed below.

 

PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES

Four alternatives are proposed for consideration, one No Build and three Build Alternatives.

No Build Alternative

The No Build Alternative proposes no action, where no construction or improvements would be made to the I-5/El Toro Road Interchange apart from proposed projects that are under development or concurrently in construction. The No Build Alternative would not address the issues and deficiencies within the project limits.

Build Alternative AA-1

Alternative AA-1 proposes an additional I-5 SB off-ramp to independently serve El Toro Road EAST, and El Toro WEST. These two SB off-ramps are proposed in lieu of the one existing SB offramp. This is accomplished with a 2-lane I-5 SB off-ramp to El Toro Road that is split with one lane assigned to El Toro Road WEST, using the existing hook ramp, while one lane is assigned to El Toro Road EAST that is braided over the SB hook on-ramp. This ramp then travels over El Toro Road on a new bridge, and then ties into a realigned Avenida De La Carlota by the Laguna Hills Mall area. A new SB hook on-ramp is provided along the realigned Avenida De La Carlota. The existing SB direct on-ramp from El Toro Road is eliminated, while the existing access provided by the SB ramps, opposite Paseo De La Valencia, are maintained. The NB ramps would be in a similar configuration as today, with improvements made by I-5 Segment 3, which is currently under construction.

Build Alternative AA-5

Alternative AA-5 proposes an I-5 SB flyover off-ramp to independently serve El Toro Road EAST, and a separate hook off-ramp for El Toro WEST. This is accomplished with a 2-lane I-5 SB offramp to El Toro Road that is split with one lane assigned to El Toro Road WEST, using the existing hook ramp, while one lane is assigned to El Toro Road EAST that is a flyover that connects to both El Toro Road and Rockfield Boulevard. The flyover ramp connects into a roundabout that provides access to El Toro Road EAST, and provides access to Los Alisos Boulevard. Vehicles accessing El Toro Road EAST would have to make a right turn onto El Toro Road.

Build Alternative - Transportation System Management (TSM) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

OCTA and Caltrans will evaluate a standalone TSM/TDM Alternative. TSM strategies increase the efficiency of existing facilities; they are actions that increase the number of vehicle trips a facility can carry without increasing the number of through lanes. Examples of TSM strategies for this project include ramp metering, signal timing, signal coordination, and intersection technology.

TDM focuses on regional means of reducing the number of vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled as well as increasing vehicle occupancy. As an example, a regional agency could actively promote ridesharing, maintain rideshare databases, and provide limited rideshare services to employers and individuals.

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

OCTA and Caltrans will host two public scoping meetings to gather input from the public, resource agencies, and stakeholders on the depth and breadth of issues that should be addressed in the environmental document. The Public Scoping Meetings are:

Wednesday, July 26, at the Lake Forest Community Center from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. This meeting is in-person.

Thursday, August 3, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. This meeting is virtual. Click here to register. 

The public can submit comments on the I-5/El Toro Road Interchange Project no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2023. Comments can be submitted in any of the following formats:

  • Via mail to Emily Czaban, ICF, 49 Discovery, Suite 250, Irvine, California 92618
  • Email comments to ElToro@dot.ca.gov with the subject line "I-5 El Toro Road Interchange Project".
  • A certified Court reporter will be present at both the in-person and virtual scoping meetings to transcribe comments verbatim.

Go to www.octa.net/i5eltoro for more information on the project, including the draft environmental document.

TCA Website Link

Click here to go to TCA website

Caltrans Website Link

Click here to go to Caltrans website

OCTA Website Link

 

Click here to go to OCTA website

Regional Road Projects Presentations

  1. City of Lake Forest Transportation Corridor Agencies Update (PDF)
  2. Orange County Transportation Authority El Toro I-5 Interchange Project (PDF)
  3. Orange County Transportation Authority Presentation I-5 Widening Project (PDF)
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2022 Business Survey


Social Media Accounts:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?
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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.

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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

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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.
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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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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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