Laguna Hills

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Melody Carruth was the first mayor of Laguna Hills.  Her community activism began in 1987 when she founded "Citizens to Save Laguna Hills" - the grassroots organization which, after a five-year battle, resulted in the creation of our City.  She was a chief advocate and chief petitioner for the Laguna Hills incorporation drive.

As part of the inaugural City Council, Carruth helped lay the foundation for a small efficiently-run, fiscally sound government.  Cabot Park was built, existing parks were refurbished and Community Center site identification and planning was begun.  Following placement of MCAS El Toro on the Base Closure List, in 1993 she organized the first South County Cities Alliance to stop commercial aviation use at El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (ETRPA).

Choosing not to seek a second term, Carruth focused her energies on the anti-airport campaign and served as a director of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning, as a member of the ETRPA Land Use Committee and as Laguna Hills Chair for the Yes on W - Stop the Airport campaign.  She established the new Laguna Hills AYSO Region 1422 in the spring of 2002, which united and strengthened our soccer youth program.  She was re-elected to the City Council in 2002. 

Carruth is currently Chairman of the Board of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, the City's largest employer.  She is a member of the board of Laguna Canyon Foundation, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Region 1422 AYSO and the Laguna Hills High School PTSA.

A graduate of Brigham Young University in 1974 with a degree in education, Carruth is a former intermediate schoolteacher and has been in corporate management.  She and Joe, her husband of 24 years, have four children.  Over the last 21 years, Melody has served Laguna Hills in such capacities as PTA board member, member of Saddleback College Board of Governors, youth sports volunteer and scout leader.

City of Laguna Hills Website