The Buzz column, July 25, 2006

News of Councilman Frank Ury’s emergency gall bladder surgery traveled quickly throughout city hall. Those who were talking about it said the surgery took place on July 25, and one person said he is expected to be back on the job soon.

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Are too many candidates lining up to replace three Capistrano USD trustees in the November election? In addition to Ellen Addonizio of Mission Viejo, Larry Christensen and Jack Brick, another Mission Viejo resident pulled papers last week. Charles “Chuck” Salisbury of Mission Viejo appears to be running, causing concern about splitting the vote. Salisbury is certain to receive a blast from various recall groups if he decides to jump in. One person who is not supporting him suggested a campaign slogan: “Chuck Salisbury – where’s the beef?”

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Just like the Delta House miscreants at Faber College, Supt. James Fleming decided to take a road trip. With public opinion in the dumper, it’s a good time to hit the road. Fleming is in South America, allegedly helping his daughter move. “No, no, no,” said a parent who recently prevailed in a lawsuit against the district, “He’s running away to Argentina because they have no extradition.” The parent is convinced criminal charges will be filed against Fleming and the trustees. The parent had filed suit to get special education for her child. She said, “We were getting nowhere until we hired a big-name lawyer. The settlement came almost immediately, and it was like money falling off trees.”

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Is it true CUSD has hired the same contractor to look for mold every time a complaint is made about mold in portable classrooms? If so, how much is he being paid not to find any problem? Isn’t it interesting how often mold turns up in office buildings, restaurants, homes and even Saddleback College, but never at CUSD?

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A big stink continues over CUSD’s planned school, San Juan Hills High School, to be built next to a dump in San Juan Capistrano. Parents have long objected to the outrageous expense (more than $120 million) and health concerns. District officials claim there’s really no problem with methane belching from the dump because the wind never blows. A contractor who graded the area said he had trouble getting a crew to work eight-hour days because of the overwhelming stench.

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Or. Co. Register reporter Tony Saavedra has done an outstanding job of building the case against CUSD trustees and Supt. Fleming. A public relations disaster at CUSD – the revelation of an Enemies List of parents who supported the recall – has grown into an investigation of CUSD’s false statements about Fleming’s annual compensation (understated by $64,000) and allegations of Brown Act violations. Clearly, there’s more to come. Taxpayers should hope former CUSD employee David Smollar has already turned over evidence of criminal matters to the District Attorney.