The Buzz column

During the public comments segment of the April 7 council meeting, a new service became evident for members of the public. A resident approached the microphone to make remarks, and he looked over at the big screen. Moments later, a photo magically appeared as he spoke. His comments were with regard to the city staff’s activities surrounding the community center expansion. Who knew this service was available – having photos (and presumably other graphics) displayed on the big screen to enhance public comments? This should open a whole new world for show and tell.

***

Five council members still claim to be fiscal conservatives after approving nearly every change order with a unanimous vote until the community center expansion cost three times the amount budgeted. During the April 7 meeting, the council approved more than $5 million in expenses as part of the consent calendar with no questions asked. The fact no one is watching the store explains how the community center expansion and almost every other project run over budget.

***

The city has updated its Website, and Councilman Frank Ury has deleted any mention of his former employer. He has yet to mention what he does for a living, and constituents continue to ask about a conflict of interest.

***

The blog’s editor-in-chief suggested several months ago that blog contributors should do a better job of covering important city meetings. Planning Commission meetings have gone unnoticed, and no current blog contributor can stand to attend city council meetings. A blogger said, “The current council has become a rubberstamp agency that approves everything the city staff wants. Most of the city’s business is transacted with 5-0 votes. City employees have five representatives on the council, residents have zero.”

***

A photography enthusiast reacted to the city’s display of photos that were allegedly taken by residents for Mission Viejo’s 20th anniversary: “I think the plan didn’t work to give away cameras and expect residents would bring them back filled with pictures. The photos I’ve seen contain few people, and most of the shots are attempts at something artsy. It looks as if the same person took most of them. Of course, I’m wondering what this cost with hundreds of custom-made easels and hundreds of laminated oversize photos that were ruined by sunlight in a matter of days.”