The Buzz

The newest story from Sunrise, the developer with an interest in building an assisted-living complex on the Casta del Sol golf course: “We’ll preserve the 18-hole golf course, but we’ll need to short it a bit.” Considering that the Casta course is an executive golf course (already shortened), how does one measure “a bit”? Will Sunrise next tout the benefits of miniature golf?

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While homebuilding has tanked, apartments are very much in demand. Watch for activity regarding parcels the council has already rezoned for high-density residential use. Steadfast settled for a condo complex at Jeronimo and Los Alisos, but its background is in apartments, not homeownership. Steadfast’s original plan was an 800-unit apartment project with 100 percent of the units designated as affordable housing. Among Steadfast’s biggest advocates in Mission Viejo are all five members of the city council.

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Mission Viejo residents who are concerned about saving the Casta del Sol golf course should note parallels between Sunrise and Steadfast. Prior to Steadfast’s official presentation of its housing project next to the Unisys property, council members made such statements as “There’s no proposal on the table,” and “We have no official proposal to consider.” When Steadfast finally made its official pitch at a council meeting, the council’s approval was swift and unanimous. A petition signed by approximately 3,000 people who objected to rezoning was completely ignored – no council member even looked at it.

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A blog reader mused, “With all those condos and affordable units on hold in Mission Viejo, where has everyone gone to find a home? Somehow, everyone seems to find a place to live without the help of the council rezoning more commercial property or open space for housing.”

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A Capo High School student’s lawsuit is moving forward against a history teacher who made derogatory remarks about religion. A blog reader reacted: “As a college student, I heard many teachers slam Christianity. They went out of their way and subject matter of the class to criticize religious beliefs, and the practice is trickling down to K-12 schools. Teachers should keep their religious slams and their personal politics out of the classroom.”