LAKE FOREST

The battle to annex 1,502 acres of commercial and industrial property ended Monday night after the City Council had a special hearing to consider any final protests from affected property owners, but heard none. The hearing was the final step in the annexation process, which was bitterly opposed by Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills residents who hoped to use the property as the revenue base for their own city. Cityhood activists failed to derail the process earlier Monday, when a state commission refused to reverse its unanimous approval of the annexation. City officials said police began providing service to the area Tuesday, and added that they plan to attempt an annexation of Portola Hills next spring.