I live in Lake Forest and I fully support the use of this hotel this way and would also support the use of hotels in Lake Forest for similar purpose. This is no time for NIMBYism, particularly based on misconceptions and fear, which we all have certainly, but fear not based on realistic risks. The social interactions at the super market across the street pose larger risk to the community at large in my opinion.

This is terrible!! In the middle of 18,000 seniors!! Please stop this now!!!

Seems apparent that self serving "representatives" are pulling a fast one and forcing a risky situation on a particularly vulnerable community. "But it's not risky! They're quarantined and won't leave the building until well!" Yeah... except no, there will be a lot of in/out traffic with [hopefully] security, caregivers, food service, maintenance, staff, etc. I've seen no indication that this support staff will face increased quarantine measures. While we're continuing to build understanding of how this corona virus is spread, it's foolhardy to assume it will be contained. Let's just light a match next to a "fireproof" gunpowder keg, shall we? To demand that actively contagious people be housed at a location removed from high density and at-risk populations is NOT the dreaded NIMBYism, but is COMMON #!$&@ SENSE. But speaking of NIMBYism-- is this the backdoor way of forcing homeless shelters on OC cities? I haven't seen any verbiage outlining the end of this arrangement (e.g. - when the CA Shelter in Place order is lifted). What is the expectation???

Don't believe a single word of this propaganda on the use of the Ayres Hotel. It is not appropriate.

Don't ever vote for Lisa Bartlett again. This is to all my LW neighbors.

not to be trusted

“The City is deeply concerned with the County of Orange’s unilateral decision to place individuals afflicted with COVID‐19 right in the middle of the most concentrated community of older adults in Orange County” said Laguna Woods Mayor Noel Hatch.

What study was done showing this would keep the elderly population safe and by WHOM was it conducted? How SPECIFICALLY are you planning to force the contagious homeless to stay under quarantine in a hotel room? What SPECIFIC legislation will be utilized to enforce this decision? Answers and specifics are needed ASAP! YOUR poor decisions are endangering the THOUSANDS OF ELDERLY THAT RESIDE IN LAGUNA WOODS!

The sheer arrogance is disturbing! www.google.com/amp/s/patch.com/california/lagunaniguel-danapoint/amp/28672550/homeless-coronaviru...

18 thousand seniors. Seriously what are you thinking?

How is a health worker supposed to enforce this? This could be very dangerous for the health care worker and the public, unless there are police on site.

Lisa's response letter included the words, "partnering with cities and motel owners," the former of which is not the case. City of Laguna Woods has not been consulted and should have final say regarding receptivity and location. "4/3/2020 Sent on behalf of Supervisor Lisa Bartlett Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with me. There has been a lot of misinformation circulating recently regarding the use of Ayres Hotel in Laguna Woods to house homeless individuals who test positive, or are presumed positive, for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Let me share with you the facts: In response to the Governor’s Shelter-in-Place Executive Order, the County, through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), is partnering with cities and motel owners throughout Orange County to secure sheltering in an appropriate recovery setting for homeless individuals who have tested positive, or are presumed positive, for COVID-19. This was not a decision of the Board of Supervisors, but rather the direction of the EOC. Following an exhaustive search of several city facilities and motels throughout South Orange County, Ayres Hotel was the only facility that met the specific isolation requirements and was willing to enter into an agreement with the County. South Orange County is home to individuals who are homeless and who may be at significant risk of contracting COVID-19. Left unattended, and free to roam the community during this pandemic, only increases the risk of more widespread community transmission. Isolating and quarantining these individuals will not only enable them to receive the care they need, but also go a long way towards minimizing community transmission. The intent is for only homeless individuals located in South Orange County to have access to this facility. The County’s contract service provider will provide the following at each site: Initial medical assessment and ongoing medical case management Transportation Support Services (including on-site meals) 24/7 on-site staffing and security (4 security guards per shift). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff and client distribution Coordination of discharge transitions All individuals entering the facility will receive an initial medical assessment and will be required to follow self-quarantine protocols, including staying inside their room. No loitering or leaving the facility will be permitted. Those who do not follow isolation protocols will be exited from the facility and provided transportation to an alternative placement option. No visitors will be allowed on-site to ensure clients are following self-quarantine/isolation protocols. Individuals will only be permitted to leave the premises via van transport if the need for re-location to an alternative shelter site or hospitalization occurs. This is a very trying time for all of us. I hope this information helps alleviate some of the fear and anxiety you may be feeling at this time. I will continue to represent and advocate for the people of Laguna Woods and the 5th District to ensure every precaution is being taken to provide the highest level of protection through the EOC and the site’s contracted services provider. Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office."

This is the worse choice possible. Will the supervisors accept responsibility if the virus gets into the community?

Who is providing security?

Obviously, by your remarks above it is very clear that you've not thought this through as far as repercussions that will occur permanently to this community. You're either ignorant or don't care. Shameful.

Not opposed to helping the homeless but not in an elderly community!!! Please stop this.

This is the most irresponsible choice for a community of 18,000 senior citizens. Just one transmission of the virus by a health worker or individual being brought here can transmit the virus and go through the community like a wildfire out of control. Please stop this from happening!! Do not use the Ayers Hotel!

The grocery store is more of a threat to us than the homeless who will be in LOCKDOWN. My own neighbors aren't following protocol. These people need help, and it's our job as a community to support these efforts.

If you're staying home like you're supposed to, then you don't have anything to worry about. Stop spreading all this fear!

Most terrible decision, unsensible to endanger the large population of the most vulnerable group! The facility is not a prison, how can you enforce the lockdown??

Hideous decision. Bartlett in hiding from her constituents; won't return phone calls, emails, or talk to press. Totally political - secretly attack a senior community with low population. Pure greed on the part of Ayres. Watch PBS Fire Station 9 Documentary to see what it takes to subdue homeless and see if you think 4 rent a cops will be able to handle 138. What are the current citizens of Laguna Woods and the surrounding communities supposed to do when Saddleback Hospital's 22 ICU beds are occupied by these homeless patients? We deserve to know who proposed the Ayers and who voted for it. We pay taxes and vote and deserve a voice. Does anyone know of a method to remove these people from office?

You are taking one problem and creating another problem with the most vulnerable in Laguna Woods. While the homeless need help. The Laguna Woods residence deserve protection too. Can you really not come up with a plan that works for everyone in this pandemic? You are saying you did not decide this, then help fight for what is right. Instead of saying “they” should just accept it. This speaks loudly about who you are. Speak up ! Protect Seniors too! Who is ready for a recall petition?

Directly contradicts what Newsom is espousing on TV about "protecting our seniors." There are numerous alternative hotels/motels that could serve this purpose without endangering our most vulnerable -- 18,000 seniors.

Self quarantine really! Horrible decision and shame on you.

Did Ayre's receive $450,000 for contract?