South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) has raised concerns regarding the planned closure of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Laguna Hills, California. In a letter addressed to DMV Director Steve Gordon, Rep. Kim emphasized the potential impact on South Orange County residents.

“The Laguna Hills office is one of two DMV facilities that serve South Orange County. Its closure will redirect 855,000 South Orange County residents to San Clemente, a smaller facility 18 miles away with less parking availability, and pose unnecessary restrictions on constituents who require in-person services,” wrote Rep. Kim.

Rep. Kim highlighted the particular challenges this closure would pose for senior citizens. “Senior citizens who rely on the Laguna Hills office to comply with DMV policy are among the most impacted. The surrounding South Orange County communities have large senior demographics, particularly in the neighboring city of Laguna Woods where 81% of their population is age 65 and over. DMV requires drivers over the age of 70 to pass a compulsory vision test that can only be conducted in person.”

The letter further noted concerns about whether alternative locations offered by DMV—Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, and San Clemente—would be able to handle increased demand for services. Additionally, Value Rock Realty, the commercial property owner of the Laguna Hills Office, has expressed willingness to renew their lease with DMV.

“To close the Laguna Hills office without an alternative viable to the communities it serves would be derelict of the department’s responsibility of serving constituents in South Orange County,” stated Rep. Kim. She urged reconsideration of the closure and called for either renegotiating or seeking a new lease in the immediate vicinity.

Rep. Kim concluded by stressing the importance of ensuring continuity of essential services for South Orange County residents and expressed hope for a resolution.