The Buzz column, Jan. 12

Last week’s mention of noise from air traffic over Mission Viejo drew several comments from readers. Most of those responding believe the increased noise is from military aircraft. One person added, “The noise from a military plane is quite different from the noise of a commercial airliner.” Another said the increase dates back to Sept. 11, 2001. Several commented about South County winning the 10-year battle to defeat a commercial airport at El Toro, saying they had anticipated quieter skies. Even small planes flying over north Mission Viejo got a mention: “I don’t know if it’s the same plane circling the city, but it’s a single-engine that reminds me of a gnat.”

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A Mission Viejo resident reported learning how the FBI becomes “invisible” on the street. An unknown man accidentally left his cell phone in a business place, and the owner of the business examined the phone to determine its owner. When he saw photos in the cell phone – someone outfitted like a suicide bomber – he instead called the Sheriff’s Dept. When the Sheriff’s Dept. saw the photos, Homeland Security and the FBI became involved. By the time the cell phone owner got a call to pick up his phone at the place of business, quite a group was present to pick him up. Delivery trucks, workers on the street and other passersby quickly appeared to surround the place. According to the resident reporting the story, no mention of the incident appeared in the Sheriff’s blotter.

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A writer on a county blog questioned whether Councilman Frank Ury has a conflict of interest. After Ury and Intel had a parting of ways, he apparently formed a WiFi consulting business called Viejo Technology Group. Ury was the one promoting citywide WiFi, and he aggressively pushed for WiFi at the civic center. On the city Website, Ury continues to list Intel as his employer. Is there some reason he doesn’t want people to know what he does for a living? Is it true he has a new job with the Building Industry Association of Orange County, working with developers who might have an interest in future housing projects in Mission Viejo?

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Feedback on the city’s electronic sign is unanimous on at least one point. The lettering, (which is hard to read) and the sign itself (which contributes to the visual noise at the corner), do little if anything to provide Mission Viejo residents with “important” information. Residents are fairly bombarded with the same announcements in newspapers, newsletters, the city Website, MVTV, etc.

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A former campaign worker forwarded a flyer to The Buzz that Councilwoman Trish Kelley used in her 2002 campaign, noting things have changed. Printed on the flyer: “Kelley favors maintenance of parks and recreation centers for children and families; she supports measures to provide safe intersections and less traffic congestion.” It should now read, “Children and families will have to share parks with cell phone towers and antennas.” What traffic measures has Kelley supported while in office for more than five years? Perhaps the argument can be made that intersections are safer when traffic is at a standstill.