The Buzz, May 30

Will residents ever see a financial statement from the Mission Viejo Community Foundation? The “Foundation Update” published in the Summer 2006 City Outlook lumps cash donations, pledges and in-kind donations together at $360,000. While the Foundation’s goal to raise money for the community center expansion is commendable, residents have asked for a balance sheet that shows overhead and cash received. The city’s 2005 grant was approximately $184,000, and the Foundation’s director makes $9,000 a month.

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Council candidate Bill Barker’s letter to The Buzz last week indicates “the people” will have the last word. When Barker served as chair of the Community Services Commission last year, was that the case? Barker’s job was to moderate public hearings, including the one regarding a joint-use gymnasium with the Capo school district. Instead of letting residents speak – the purpose of the hearing – Barker gave a lengthy monologue about his views. He made the residents wait a long time while he spoke, and he added his own comments after each speaker.

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Besides Mayor Lance MacLean, how many more gonging bellwethers are needed on the council to promote a city gymnasium? With three high school gyms, two middle-school gyms in the works, countless unused outdoor basketball courts and a gym the city practically gave to the YMCA, should taxpayers get dinged for another gym? One of the main gymnasium proponents in the community said he’d be satisfied if some of the outdoor courts had a carport-type roof so play could continue on rainy days.

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Those who oppose Capo USD’s new $52 million administration building can make their point with a protest. Parents and other community members will rally at 4 p.m. on Tues., June 6, at the new CUSD Education Center, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano.

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In the 2002 city election, Councilwoman Gail Reavis worked hard to help Trish Kelley win a council seat. Months after winning, Kelley turned against Reavis, eventually launching a nasty campaign against her. Kelley in 2004 went door-to-door campaigning for Frank Ury, who stopped supporting Kelley after his election. In 2006, Ury has recruited Diane Greenwood and Justin McCusker, who will run against Kelley and other incumbents. Mission Viejo politics are akin to watching “The Twilight Zone” reruns.

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This fall’s council race is afflicted with the Mac factor – Councilman Lance MacLean is running for reelection, and 20-something Justin McCusker has filed his intent to run – Big Mac and Baby Mac. Big Mac has been in office 3 1/2 years and appears to have no support beyond his immediate family. Baby Mac, to the best of anyone’s knowledge, has never attended a council meeting.