The Buzz column, Sept. 6

Is it true the council discussed mixed-use zoning of La Paz and Marguerite during the closed session on Aug. 21? If so, which council members are supporting mixed use, as well as creating a redevelopment zone? Neighbors who strongly oppose affordable housing on top of retail stores would gladly yank such members off the council on Nov. 7. As another issue, the discussion of mixed use was not agendized, and it’s worth finding out if a Brown Act violation occurred. The discussion allegedly took place when City Manager Dennis Wilberg’s performance was the agenda item of record.

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Currently under investigation is a series of potential Brown Act violations by the Capo school board. Former Supt. James Fleming’s evaluation was on the closed-session agenda when the trustees allegedly discussed a wide scope of unrelated topics.

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Will any criminal charges result from all the D.A. and so-called independent investigations of the Capo school district? Insiders say the main problem is having one government agency investigate another government agency. Additionally, a former employee of a district contractor is doing some of the investigating. A slap on the wrist or a good scolding may result.

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The most fortunate aspect of the Sept. 5 council meeting was its brevity, but a breakthrough should be mentioned. The phantom council candidate showed up for a short time – Justin McCusker. He stayed for 10 minutes, left and returned at the end. Perhaps he’s been reading the blog, which has reported he’s never attended a council meeting. He’s still never attended a council meeting, but he can now proudly say he’s been inside City Hall.

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A City Planning Commissioner at the Sept. 5 meeting announced that the city’s Web site should be updated to include the financial advisory commission, which meets four times a year. Anyone who has a suggestion about the Web site can call City Hall. There’s no need to take council time or put a suggestion into the public record. But wait – what a coincidence – Councilman Frank Ury toward the end of the meeting introduced his financial advisory appointee, who got an on-camera acknowledgement in the audience. Residents should start estimating the cost to the city when Ury introduces a political friend during a council meeting.

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Yet another nasty email came from council candidate Diane Greenwood’s “team” following the Sept. 5 council meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, two people complained that “historic boulders” had been moved from various city street corners during city landscaping improvements. If anyone wonders what a historic boulder is, it contains fossils. According to the city manager, city workers moved the rocks from city corners to Oso Trail. The email referring to the council exchange said speakers had been treated in an unbelievably unprofessional manner by an arrogant and disdainful MacLean. A review of the tape revealed no such treatment. MacLean, however, did indicate he was baffled that the council discourse was focusing on moving of rocks from city corners to city rock piles.

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A quick historical reference indicates Mission Viejo was previously a cow pasture. After the community was formed, boulders were placed near some of the street corners as scenic decoration. No boulders are being moved from their original locations. Those who became emotionally attached to the boulders (and gave names to them – this is not a joke – check the Sept. 5 videotape) can still visit their rock friends on the trail.