The Buzz Column, June 6

San Juan Capistrano residents have all the fun. They celebrate the return of mud-slinging swallows, moon the train north of town and have good old-fashioned protests. On June 6, a group of parents carried signs and banners, objecting to the school district’s new “Taj Mahal” administration center in SJC. Mission Viejo residents joined them in the protest. Among other features, the $35-million building has eight sets of restrooms for 250 employees. One of the parents said, “If each of the high schools had that many restrooms per capita, it would amount to 96 per school.”

***

What if Councilman Frank Ury threw a party and no one came? An exchange of insults followed Ury’s June 3 precinct walkathon turned flop-a-thon. Contrary to popular practice of downplaying a social bomb, a henchman from Ury’s camp (who also didn’t attend the party) sent scathing emails to chastise everyone else for not attending. Ury had invited a large group of people to walk precincts in support of a political candidate and return to his house for a barbecue. Most didn’t even bother saying no thanks to drinking Ury’s Kool-Aid.

***

Ury continues to criticize his fellow council members. At the June 5 meeting, he said, “This council doesn’t understand its roles and responsibilities.” What has his role been on the council? Ury tried to give a $1 million city park to his homeowner’s association. He voted to dismantle the former Planning Commission and dump the progress toward a state-required affordable-housing plan. His vote for Steadfast’s housing project resulted in a lawsuit against the city. Ury also promoted the $200,000 contract for what turned out to be a cell-tower lobbyist, who could receive up to $2 million in commissions. Some residents describe Ury’s role as the biggest threat to the city.

***

David Smollar, former director of communications at Capistrano Unified School District, has either vanished or he’s been banished, depending on who’s talking about his disappearance. Without notice or departing words, Smollar is gone. CUSD’s Website was changed immediately, removing any reference to the former employee. If questions persist, perhaps the district should make a statement about Smollar’s leaving “to spend more time with his family.”

***

What is the city getting in return for its $100,000 contract to Roger Faubel for “educating the public” about the Crown Valley street-widening project? Apparently, p.r. stands for public rip-off. The contract resulted in a ceremony for dignitaries, pricey die-cut brochures and a few signs. How much could these empty gestures cost, and what happened to the rest of the money?

***

The graffiti on the Crown Valley hospital structure is hard to miss when driving east near Medical Center Road. Taggers hit the top floor of the seven-story building, which is still under construction. With affordable housing projects within walking distance, is anyone still in denial about the nature of such projects? Mayor Lance MacLean, who is pushing hard for affordable housing and other high-density projects, announced the graffiti hotline number at the June 5 council meeting, (949) 460-2924. MacLean should print the number in his campaign literature as a reminder of what he brings to the table.