Veterinary hospital gets council OK

A veterinary hospital may soon begin construction in a residential neighborhood after the City Council voted to approve it Tuesday despite neighbors' complaints and threatened legal action. The council voted 3-2 after a 2 hour public hearing. Mayor Curt Pringle and councilmen Richard Chavez and Tom Tait, voted for the project to move forward. Council members Shirley McCracken and Bob Hernandez were in opposition. The hearing was marked by eight residents who spoke out against the project and more than 25 people in the audience. Opponents said increased traffic, noise and other environmental impacts make the veterinary hospital incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Nearly 65 residents hired a lawyer and appealed the Planning Commission's decision in September to allow construction at 5055 E. Short St. to move forward. Now, those residents say they plan to file a lawsuit against the city. "This is just not a good place to put in something that will probably create more traffic than that whole street creates now, by itself," said Wendy Miller, who lives on Brandon Circle adjacent to the hospital site. Pringle, Chavez and Tait all said that heavy traffic along Kellogg Drive leading to Short Street from Esperanza High School could create a dangerous situation. Pringle asked staff to report back to the council on the issue. "The traffic issue is far and away exacerbated, not by the uses on this site or in that neighborhood but by the high school's size and the number of kids who bring cars to school," Pringle said. "These are issues that need to be addressed (but) we shouldn't put that entire burden on the feet of this property owner." The 10,000-square-foot facility would be open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. In addition to veterinary care, it will also provide grooming and boarding services. Orientation to Senior Friends Tuesday January 6,200 4 West Anaheim Medical Center If activities, fun, fellowship, crafts, exercise, golf, bowling, travel, and of course, ways to stay healthy, are just some of your interests, then you will surely want to find out what Senior Friends is all about. Come to a continental breakfast and discover what you've been missing for only $15.00 per year. SENIOR FRIENDS Monthly Meetings Senior Friends meet every month for a myriad of various programs. Guest speakers provide information related to the needs of the senior population and may include physicians or local community leaders. Entertainment is provided. At times, games, such as Bingo are played. Whatever the program, the topics are of interest, the entertainment is unique, and the time spent is always enjoyable. Refreshments are provided at all meetings. Special events are held throughout the year and often include full luncheons.