Who Won the Liar’s Contest?

Councilwoman Trish Kelley is either confused or she’d like to confuse others. During the council’s Feb. 24 meeting, she indicated:

1. It is false that she (Kelley) ever said she didn’t want affordable housing in “her neighborhood” or the Capo school district.
2. It is false that the council is considering razing the shopping center at La Paz and Marguerite and replacing it with a mixed-use project of stores with apartments on top.
3. It is false that the council considered putting housing on the Casta del Sol Golf Course.

Kelley’s words and the public record don’t match, and what she says at council meetings doesn’t match what she says off camera.

Regarding Kelley’s wish to protect the interests of the Capo district, readers should remember she has a history of catering to the Capo school district instead of representing residents. As an example, homeowners near CUSD schools have received no help from her when it comes to school traffic and parking issues. If Kelley wanted to keep her views about affordable housing a secret, she’s told too many people what she really thinks. Among those speaking out, former council member Gail Reavis was the first public speaker at the Feb. 24 meeting. Reavis said Kelley has stated her objection to more affordable units in the Capo district.

Perhaps Kelley was too surprised to respond. She was unusually quiet during the meeting while public speakers had another shot. She instead waited until the end during council comments to give not only her opinion but her own facts.

As for apartments on top of stores at La Paz and Marguerite, Councilman Frank Ury brought the Urban Land Institute to the city, and the council approved the $30,000 study. ULI recommended mixed use with retail on the bottom level and multiple stories on top comprising 350 apartments. According to Kelley, the council said, “Thanks but no thanks.” To the contrary, the council made no such decision. The city staff has taken up where ULI left off, touting an urban atmosphere, promenade and “downtown.” The city staff’s 20th anniversary party included signage inviting people to walk around Mission Viejo’s “downtown.” The Master Plan has no downtown, but city officials apparently have one in mind.

Ms. Kelley’s denial of a plan to allow housing on the Casta del Sol Golf Course conflicts with public statements by Councilmen Frank Ury and Lance MacLean. Kelley’s support has been more subtle, particularly with references to projects the city can undertake with the million dollars in developer fees that will result from housing on the golf course. During a candidate forum prior to the Nov. 4 election, Ury refused to say he would oppose housing on the golf course, and Kelley’s hand-picked candidate Richard Atkinson took the same position.

Kelley wasn’t the only one attempting to mislead the public during the Feb. 24 meeting. Ury, when referring to closed-session discussions, claimed the council had never considered having the city purchase the undeveloped parcel at Jeronimo and Los Alisos for an affordable apartment project. Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht immediately responded to Ury’s claim, stating the city has discussed it.

At one point, Kelley held up a map. With her usual faltering speech, she attempted to count the city’s high-density housing projects. She spoke very slowly, “One, two … .” And then she paused. Ury couldn’t resist, and he leaned down and spoke into his microphone, “Three!” He succeeded with his insinuation Kelley couldn’t count to three, and audience members laughed out loud. Kelley seemed not get it. Those who watched the meeting on Feb. 24 should view the videotape to note it has been edited to Kelley’s advantage (at 2:51 on the tape).

Having Kelley represent Mission Viejo on any outside board or agency, particularly the Southern California Association of Governments, risks the city’s best interests. The Feb. 24 meeting underscored the need for responsible, thinking adults on the council who aren’t susceptible to scare tactics from the state or shenanigans of city staff members who want more high-density housing in Mission Viejo.