Magnet of Discontent
Staff editorial

Voters revolted in November 2002 and dumped former Councilwomen Sherri Butterfield and Susan Withrow. Within a year, former City Manager Dan Joseph was gone as well. With the departure of the old regime, residents expected peace at City Hall.

An old activist group, Committee for Integrity in Government, suspended operations. One segment from the former CIG became focused on relief from the incessant push for more housing and its related overcrowding and traffic congestion. Another segment of four or five people reorganized around Frank Ury, whose political ambition for higher office and association with county lobbyists are well known.

Despite changes in 2002 and 2003 at City Hall – heads on a platter – the activists following Ury continued being vocal about a wide range of topics from overhead power lines to boulders on street corners. In 2003-2004, they circulated a petition to get high-voltage transmission lines buried in Mission Viejo. The 220 kV lines on lattice towers weren’t under consideration for undergrounding, and residents in north Mission Viejo eventually voted overwhelmingly against taxing themselves to bury three new lines in the north part of town. Ury rode into office as a council member in 2004, claiming he would force SCE to bury its lines despite a California Public Utilities Commission decision to the contrary several months before the election.

The crowd following Ury dwindled to the original few, who continue to lash out at council members, city staffers and other residents at almost every council meeting. They’ve clustered again to support Diane Greenwood’s current council campaign. Beyond the controversy of Greenwood’s candidacy, the masters of discontent continue stirring up residents.

At the Sept. 25 Planning and Transportation Commission meeting, St. Kilian’s parish received unanimous approval for its proposed expansion on a somewhat secluded hilltop near Estanciero and Montenoso. Someone circulated a petition among neighbors, and seven residents from the neighborhood spoke against the project. Those opposed to the project said parishioners parked on their streets, and they said the parish had not adequately planned for increased parking needs. The commission agreed to ban parking of parishioners’ cars on the residential streets identified by the neighbors. This solution seemed agreeable to both the parish and the neighbors.

The issue should have ended, but it didn't. A resident who lives near St. Kilian’s – likely the one who started the petition – was at the Oct. 4 council meeting to question the commission’s Sept. 25 decision. She had previously rallied neighbors about parking issues – which was reasonable. What’s her problem now? She claimed the public wasn’t given adequate notice of the commission meeting. She additionally complained about the height of the building, which is shorter than the highly visible church tower the commission approved at Marguerite and Oso.

The council has no say in the matter unless someone appeals the commission’s Sept. 25 decision. As for the height of the building, it isn’t generally visible except when people deliberately go up a steep driveway to the church’s parking lot. Only three nearby homes are at the same level, and one is the parish priest’s residence. Is anyone complaining except the resident who lives on a street below and has no view of the church? How is the church’s presence bothering her?

The person creating the stir was highly visible in the 2004 campaign for Frank Ury, and she has Greenwood and McCusker campaign signs in her yard. Is it purely coincidental the most discontented people in town are in the same political camp?

The parishioners of St. Kilian have waited a long time and raised a great deal of money to fund their project. If anyone deserves relief from pointless attack, they do.

Council Candidates – My Short Critique
Letter to the editor

The city council meetings, also known as “Monday Night Live,” need some new stars and better acts!

After listening to all 10 candidates in a recent forum – the potential future “winners” – it is time to choose three aspirants to fill the vacancies on the city council. Upon hearing several incumbent backslappers convincing themselves of their accomplishments, another council applicant is rehashing “bury the power lines.” This issue was voted down by a local vote. Several candidates of the younger set who rightly deserve to be heard can try again later.

The consensus really comes down to one incumbent and two new city council future members: namely, Councilman John Paul Ledesma with future council members Jim Woodin and Michael Ferrall. Both of the two new candidates have backgrounds in civic affairs, sound budget programs, halting of cost overruns and putting high expenditures up to the voters in Mission Viejo.

The new show must go on!

Bill Cruse
Mission Viejo

Why the Nov. 7 Election is So Important
Letter to the editor

I have always trusted the judgment of our voters on all issues. The voters have the ability to see through all of the flak presented during campaigns and to seize upon the relevant issues.

Some of the critical issues for us in this election are: 1) high-density housing, 2) construction contract budgets, 3) traffic control, 4) changes to the city healthcare and retirement plans, 5) strong budgetary monitoring for the city, 6) infrastructure improvements.

All of these issues are difficult and require continuous efforts by the council to be successful. Some defy simple solutions so that, over time, solutions come with much effort and ongoing commitment. It is important that these problems are attacked and that solutions are rendered. The voters will decide and, with their decisions, the future of our city will rest. I trust the voters to make the right decisions.

James Edward Woodin
Mission Viejo

High Density Housing Plan for Mission Viejo

The homeowners of Mission Viejo should be aware of a new housing trend being promoted by urban city planners, developers and those who believe that most of you drive your cars too much.

This housing scheme is often referred to highdensity, mixed-use development. Urban planners supporting this approach argue that people should live where they work so they will spend less time in their cars, which will in turn reduce traffic congestion. Some major cities like Los Angeles, Anaheim, Irvine and Long Beach have adopted this planning approach in limited ways. Long Beach recently constructed a 32-story condo complex on Ocean Blvd. with a grocery, pharmacy, restaurant and other commercial entities on the first three levels. Thus, it is high-density, mixed-use development.

For these cities, this approach may work and be consistent with the overall plan of their cities, which offer numerous regional commercial attractions. The problem for Mission Viejo residents is that there are some advocates that want to push this high-density, mixed-use scheme into our city. A big part of this push is by developers who see great financial potential. However, Mission Viejo from the very start has largely been a low-density, single-family detached housing community. This new high density, mixed-use plan is in direct contradiction to the Master Plan of Mission Viejo.

So, homeowners and voters beware, and watch what your city council is doing. The battle for the future of Mission Viejo has begun.

Michael Ferrall
Candidate city Council
Mission Viejo
http://www.ferrall4mvcitycouncil.com/

Casta Holds Candidate Forum
Staff editorial

All 10 council candidates participated in the Oct. 4 forum hosted by the Casta del Sol community. Approximately 70 people attended, including 15 visitors from outside the Casta gates. The moderator gave each candidate three minutes to speak at the beginning. Most took the opportunity to talk about their qualifications and platform.

Two opposing sides developed almost immediately. Incumbent council members seeking reelection – John Paul Ledesma, Trish Kelley and Lance MacLean – became the defendants. Kelley was criticized by challengers Bill Barker and Diane Greenwood for her lack of relevant accomplishments after four years in office. Challenger Justin McCusker joined Barker and Greenwood in criticizing the records of the incumbents, as well as contesting their remarks during the forum. After giving his critique, McCusker commented about the council’s inability to work together, and he said their reputation for ineffective performance is known outside the city. McCusker came across as being as disagreeable as those he criticized.

Almost humorous were several candidates pandering to the senior citizens. McCusker, who is 31 years old, said, “I might look as if I’m only 17 years old, but I have a few gray hairs.” An audience member quietly said, “Actually, he looks like he’s 12 years old.”

Councilwoman Trish Kelley admitted she didn’t accomplish her goal of providing a transportation program for seniors during her first four years, but she thought she might get it done if voters elected her to another four-year term. Kelley was also criticized for her lack of ability to lead regarding the completion of the community center expansion in a timely manner or for a reasonable cost.

Three candidates – McCusker, Lonsinger and Barker – continued throughout the forum to talk about their r‚sum‚ at every opportunity. By contrast, Councilman John Paul Ledesma drew applause when he said, “One cannot get a degree in decency or common sense.”

Blog writers sought out Casta residents in the audience who came to the forum to get information rather than hear the candidates they’ve already decided to support. One such resident said after the forum that she was especially impressed with Michael Ferrall because of his demeanor and ability to talk about problems and solutions without becoming contentious. She also favors Jim Woodin for his financial background. When asked if she would support any of the incumbents, she answered only that she didn’t care for council members who made excuses for not getting the job done after four years in office.

Audience members said they liked the format, which allowed candidates to interact with each other. One person said, “Before throwing the incumbents out, I hope voters will look carefully at who is trying to get on the council and why they’re running.”

City Campaign Update
Staff editorial

With 10 candidates in the city council race, approximately 10,000 campaign signs are being posted along Mission Viejo streets and in yards. Many signs along thoroughfares and at street corners don’t last long, as the city and various landscape companies have been quick to remove them. In case anyone is curious, an 18” x 24” sign printed on corrugated plastic costs approximately $2, and cardboard-type signs are somewhat less expensive. A wire support costs 65 cents, and a 24” wooden stake costs approximately 32 cents.

Council candidate Diane Greenwood was one of the last candidates to begin posting signs in the city campaign, and she received the first formal complaint about how she was doing it. A supporter of Neil Lonsinger wrote an email to her, complaining that she (or the person placing her signs) had deliberately put her signs directly in front of Lonsinger’s (probably on public property). Two years ago, council candidate Frank Ury’s campaign was the subject of multiple complaints of the same nature. It’s no coincidence, as the same people posting signs for Greenwood were working for Ury two years ago. Obscuring an opponent’s sign by placing another sign in front of it isn’t illegal, but it’s generally taken as offensive.

In another incident involving Greenwood during the past week, she complained to the blog’s editor-in-chief that statements made in the blog about the hostile and unethical behavior of her campaign manager were untrue. The part in dispute, according to Greenwood, is that he isn’t really her campaign manager. The editor asked who her campaign manager is. Greenwood first said her husband is her campaign manager. When the editor pressed on, Greenwood then said her husband is her campaign treasurer and she has no campaign manager.

Blog articles have referred to the person who early on implied he was Diane’s campaign manager. The blog will hereafter refer to him as Greenwood’s campaign worker, as it’s the association, not the title that counts. The blog generally doesn’t identify individuals by name unless they’re political or public figures.

This would be a good time to mention that the policy of the Mission Viejo News Blog / “The Buzz” is to report accurately and to verify what is presented as fact.

Publisher Dale Tyler writes, “We make every effort to ensure accuracy of the facts presented in our publication. If anyone believes we have misstated a fact, they should send an email to us. We will investigate the concern and respond via email. If a correction is warranted, it will be published in our next issue. Opinions are expressed as such and, while not subject to the same policy as facts, we welcome and will consider publishing thoughtful, well-reasoned responses. Use the webform or email to send us responses.”

Council Candidate Forum

The following responses were received prior to the deadline for answering the first forum question: How would you resolve the state’s goal for adding
affordable housing units in Mission Viejo?

James Edward “Jim” Woodin: I would place the Citizens Initiative allowing voters the right to vote on high-density housing in commercial zones on the ballot as a first measure of business if I were elected to the council. Additionally, the solution to affordable housing in Mission Viejo lies in the after- sale market through apartment and condominium conversions in our built-out city.

Michael Ferrall: Future affordable housing should come from converting existing market-rate units. I oppose any new construction of affordable welfare housing that other owners and taxpayers end up paying for. The push for new high-density affordable housing does not represent the “Mission Viejo Promise” that attracted homebuyers during the last 40 years.

Councilman John Paul Ledesma: In meeting state requirements my bias is towards having the least impact on current home values, ownership over rentals and conversion of existing units as opposed to changing zoning. I ‘m legally obligated, and I will fairly consider all proposals.

Councilwoman Trish Kelley: California State Law specifies the required contents of a City’s housing element. When the State determines that a housing element satisfies the law, they "certify" it via the Department of Housing and Community Development. The State rescinded the City’s certification as they felt the City had not lived up to the rezoning promises that were made in the Housing Element. The City is working to satisfy the State on two fronts. The City, by action of the City Council is approving beneficial projects that offer first class, high quality affordable housing. The City Council has approved two townhome projects, in different parts of Mission Viejo. Each of these townhome
neighborhoods will offer a number of affordable, home ownership units, for a combined total of 60 affordable units. This leaves 96 units the City must provide in order to meet the State mandated number to bring us into compliance. I would like to meet part of that obligation through the renovation of existing apartment buildings, and the State would allow 25% of our additional units to be met through qualified renovations. Further the staff will be recommending revisions to the Housing Element. The City is studying other locations where
we may consider approving additional units. While we are nearly built out, the mandate is very real and non-compliance may make us vulnerable to litigation by housing advocacy groups.

We commend all of these candiates for providing their responses. The voters of Mission Viejo thank you!

Forum Question for Next Week
Traffic issues near Newhart school

Question to candidates for the week: What is your solution to resolving traffic issues near Newhart Middle School?

Two readers suggested similar questions.

One reader (initials S.P.) wrote, “School is back in session, so once again the Castille tract adjacent to Newhart Middle School is plagued by traffic twice a day from parents shortcutting through to avoid the congestion on La Paz Road. This has been addressed, and it has come to the attention of the Planning Commission. What progress has been made on the suggestions of the commission? I would challenge all the council candidates to show up and see the problem for themselves. 3 p.m. would be a good time on school days. 8:30 a.m. is a problem as well.”

From N.M. (slightly edited): “Can anyone tell me before I make my decision who to vote for, what they will do to correct and change the policy of Mission Viejo to use our residential street as overflow for traffic near Newhart school?  We live on (nearby street), and the city directs traffic off of the arterial thoroughfare, La Paz onto our residential street to eliminate traffic on La Paz. Newhart is not on a residential street, and traffic should not be diverted to ease traffic on a main thoroughfare. What will you as a council member do to change the city's policy?”

The Buzz column, October 4

Is Councilwoman Trish Kelley having a difficult time getting endorsements from elected officials? A political insider says Kelley has alienated most of her former supporters, and she had to get help from Paul Glaab, an elected official and political consultant, to get endorsements for her. Glaab, who serves on the Laguna Niguel council, might simultaneously be greasing the wheels to get support for his own bids to serve on regional agency boards.

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Trish Kelley spent HOW MUCH on yard signs? According to her campaign’s financial reports, her yard signs cost more than $5,000. That’s a whopping sum – probably two to three times what other candidates are spending to litter the city’s landscapes. Someone who saw the delivery truck laden with her signs referred to it as an “axle-breaking load of signs.” Considering that Kelley has spent the past four years campaigning for herself every day, it’s amazing to see the major portion of her signs being placed on public property instead of residents’ yards.

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Justin McCusker stated at the Casta del Sol forum for council candidates that he wasn’t anticipating running for office this year because he’s busy with two young children. He said, “Community members and businessmen asked me to run.” Would that be community member / Councilman Frank Ury and his lobbyist buddies from the county Republican Party? Watch for campaign financial information about who is funding McCusker’s campaign. The funding will likely come from lobbyists and businesses in San Diego County who have been trying for four years to buy seats on the Mission Viejo council.

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Is it true that council incumbents Lance MacLean, Trish Kelley and John Paul Ledesma have a secret pact not to attack each other while campaigning for reelection? Too bad the council members couldn’t come to a similar agreement not to attack each other during council meetings or in the media. Kelley waged a bitter war against Councilwoman Gail Reavis and tried to knock her out of office during the last election cycle. MacLean has been making surly remarks against other council members for four years. MacLean’s remarks in the L.A. Times calling Mission Viejo residents elitists and bigots should be remembered as voters are marking their ballots.

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Diane Greenwood’s campaign team is so busy stirring up trouble around town, it’s amazing they have time to put up her signs. Her campaign worker who lives in the Mission Viejo Environmental Association HOA took it upon himself to rip into city staff members over a pine tree. The MVEA board had agreed with the city to cut down the tree because its roots were breaking up the city sidewalk. According to a memo, an unsuspecting City Hall secretary “was trashed” as part of his tirade. Greenwood’s team evidently intends to be empowered if she wins a council seat. They use threats and intimidation to get what they want, even when they’re not in power.

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A city hall insider gave an interesting account of a traffic stop. Awhile back, a policeman stopped the car of a resident who is now a Greenwood campaign worker. The campaign worker yelled at the officer, “Don’t you know who I am?” It’s not the typical response to an officer from a motorist who is being pulled over.

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Council candidate Justin McCusker, who apparently served as an intern for Assemblyman Bill Morrow, said he is the most qualified candidate and the only one who has the experience necessary to be on the council. Has McCusker ever worked for anyone but the government? He appears to be claiming credit for anything that had Morrow’s name on it while he worked in the office. McCusker recently referred to himself as a “professor” after claiming he taught a class at Saddleback College. If he thinks he’s a professor, no wonder he thinks he’s qualified for city council after stopping by one council meeting for 15 minutes.