Lots of issues on city’s plate in 2006

As 2006 arrives, here are some of the stories we’ll be watching carefully:

* Sales tax hike. The half-cent sales tax increase to beef up city finances in the wake of the costly landslide begins July 1, and an oversight committee will be appointed to oversee the $1.7 million in anticipated revenues. We’ll be watching to see whether the tax increase has any downsides, and if smaller businesses lose sales as a result. We’ll also keep track of how the funds are used.

* Bluebird Canyon restoration. Can city coffers keep pace with escalating costs, and will FEMA come through with enough funding to replace the public infrastructure?

* Elections. Three seats are up for grabs in November on the City Council: those of Mayor Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider, Toni Iseman and Steve Dicterow. At least two of these people could face stiff competition from the expected entrance of former City Clerk Verna Rollinger into the electoral fray. We don’t think the mayor has anything to worry about. But Iseman has alienated some of her core constituents through her actions while a Coastal Commissioner, and Dicterow has been criticized for missing council meetings. Either could be easy pickings for Rollinger -- who stepped down in 2004 after serving seven terms -- 28 years -- in the clerk’s post.

* Municipal yard relocation to Act V lot. With Coastal Commission approval late last year, the way is cleared for a brand new look at the Village Entrance on Laguna Canyon Road and Forest Avenue. Will budgetary issues arising from the landslide derail these long-sought plans?

* Aliso Canyon redevelopment. When a more definite plan for a new resort and golf course is unveiled by Athens Group, will environmentalists and neighbors still be on board or will opposition rise to this ambitious project?

* Former Pottery Shack site redevelopment. Will the replacement complex have the same “Old Laguna” feeling of the original, will customers flock to the new retailers, and will parking issues continue to fester in the neighborhood?

* Senior Center project. As this key project moves into public hearings, will it sail through or will a redesign be required?

* Job Center. With the Dec. 31 closure of the Costa Mesa Job Center and efforts in that city to crack down on undocumented workers and illegal immigrants, how will Laguna’s center be affected? Will job-seekers inundate the site, and will opponents step up efforts to halt the job service?

* El Morro Village. Will the Crystal Cove mobile home residents really pick up and move out of the state park in March as promised?

As always, let us know about your concerns, and send along any news tips.