Residents Oppose Apartments

Many residents of Mission Viejo are opposed to the plan by UDR, to build a-320 unit apartment complex on the old K-Mart property on Los Alisos. UDR is a real estate trust that owns, operates, acquires, develops and renovates apartment communities.

Those opposed to the project are upset because in 2005 UDR got permission from the City Council to build 250 town homes and now they have a new proposal for 320 apartments. They are not in the business of building and selling town homes. Those opposed believe that UDR never intended to build the town homes.

Opponents say that they are not opposed to developing the property, nor to having affordable housing, but not that number of units. Additionally, the property is about 10.5 acres of which approximately two acres are not buildable due to a water district easement and slopes. So the 320 units will be squeezed into 8.5 acres (37 units per acre). Over 30 units per acre is considered highest density. Thirty-eight of the units will be designated for low and very low-income families. Apartment dwellers are often transient in nature and not contributors to our city. Where there is a growth in apartments, there often follows a decline of property values.

The Mission Viejo Company’s original plan calling for a planned population of 92K has already been exceeded by more than 10k. This project, and others in the planning, would add to the increase, further stressing our infrastructure such as streets and things we can’t see like the sewer system. The older we get as a city and the increase in population will require more money to keep our city viable. Immediately, more residents would create more traffic, and an increased need for more security, more firemen, and so on. But most important, it would impact the schools which are overcrowded and strapped for funds. Mission Viejo currently has several academic medal schools. With possible flight of residents to neighboring cities, these schools’ academic standings would be compromised. It is a documented fact that an increase in apartments is the first step to multiple social and economic problems.

Mission Viejo residents are key to all decisions made by our City Council. All Mission Viejo residents are encouraged to attend the August 15 City Council meeting at 6:00 pm. to lend your support in preserving our city as originally planned. Please wear black and stand together. Jay Trevino, executive director of Santa Ana’s Planning and Building Agency, implied that the planners before him should have been and I quote “developing a community…not developing property.”

Eva Schmidler
Mission Viejo)

America’s Charter Documents
by Bob Serrao, www.intodaysenglish.com

What can be added to magnify the greatness of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States, two monoliths of American history? They take their place as pivotal points in the birth and rise of a new nation – a republic that is “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

The Declaration of Independence is said to be the “Birth Certificate for America” and “The Preamble to the Constitution.”  The principles set forth in the Declaration are defined and established in the Constitution. The two complement each other though eleven years separate their writings.

The Supreme Law of the Land – The United States Constitution -- created in the name of WE THE PEOPLE was presented on September 17, 1787. It represents a precise conveyance of thought with the most economical formal wording…a monumental wordsmithing by its authors. It constitutes a contract between central government, the States and WE THE PEOPLE that some call “The miracle of Philadelphia.” It is well worth upholding, preserving, protecting and defending.

The shining city upon a hill has been a successful example of a Constitutional Republic with rays of liberty and freedom reaching around the world. This great American experiment has served the People for well over two hundred and thirty years.

Penned by Bob Serrao as the Forward of his book, “WE THE PEOPLE, The Declaration and Constitution in Today’s English, www.intodaysenglish.com

Capo Theatre Update
CVHS Foundation Press Release

A groundbreaking ceremony for the future theater was held at Capistrano Valley High School on Fri. June 17. Just four days earlier trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District awarded the contract for the two-story, 27,760 sq. ft. theater that will seat 446 and is scheduled for completion in May 2013.

Over 100 guests attended the ceremony including Mission Viejo Major Dave Leckness, CUSD Trustees Jack Brick, Anna Bryson and Lynn Hatton, CUSD Superintendent Dr. Farley and former CVHS Principal Deni Christensen. Students from the CVHS choir, orchestra and musical theater classes performed, providing a glimpse of the talents that will be showcased in the theater when it is completed.

While there were smiles all around, the biggest smiles came from the students. Alyssa Liney, a senior, who will not be at the school when the theater is completed, is thrilled for future students. “We have a lot of talent at this school and Capo students have won many awards,” she said. “When the new theater is completed, the possibilities for performing will be amazing.”

Sharon Campbell, CVHS Foundation President, recognized the importance of having appropriate facilities for the students. “After 35 years of waiting, our students will finally have a proper place to hone their acting and music skills and perfect their performances. This building is not just a building but also a lesson in perseverance.” Campbell thanked CUSD board members, staff, Mission Viejo council members and the community for supporting the vision of the theater.

The school’s Camerata group sang under direction of Choir Director Ms.Erin Girard. Orchestra students performed under direction of Mr. Andy Waldakut and musical theater students performed selections from their successful and award winning “West Side Story” production.

Mr. Andy Waldakut, CVHS band and orchestra director has been at CVHS for 6 years. “We have a lot of raw talent at this school,” he said. “It will be an honor to teach in the new theater.”

“When the lights dim for the first performance I will be there, I can hardly wait. CVHS students will finally have somewhere appropriate to showcase their talents,” said Carol Bennett, current CVHS PTSA president.

Non-government Events

Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State. Please support private enterprise.

Carden Academy, K-8, now enrolling for the fall term, call for information and a tour of the school, 24741 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, (949) 458-1776, http://www.cardenacademy.com

JSerra Open House and Campus Tour, Wed., Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m., JSerra Catholic High School, 26351 Junipero Serra Road, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 493-9307, ext. 2, http://www.jserra.org

Abiding Savior Lutheran School, now enrolling preschool through 8th Grade, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School, 23262 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, (949) 830-1461, http://www.abidingsavior.com

Exhibit, “Class Works 2011,” through Aug. 19, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Founders Hall Art Gallery, 1st Floor, Soka University, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4000, http://www.soka.edu/news_events/events/default.aspx

Taylor Hicks Concert, Lake Mission Viejo, Sat., Aug. 20, 7:00 p.m. Open only to Lake Association members and their guests. Concert hotline (949) 770-1313, ext. 311, http://www.lakemissionviejo.org

“I Left My Heart” salute to the music of Tony Bennett, performances through Aug. 21, Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949)497-2787, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Jazz Monsters Concert Under the Stars, Paul Kreibich and Mulligan Stew, Soka University, Fri., Aug. 26, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Outdoor Campus Green Stage, Soka University, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480.4000, http://www.soka.edu/news_events/events/2011/08/jazz-monsters-concert-under-the-stars-presents-paul-kreibich-and-mulligan-stew.aspx

45th Annual Sawdust Art Festival, through Aug. 28, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-3030, http://www.sawdustartfestival.org , and Art-A-Fair, through Aug. 28, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun. – Thurs. and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-4514, http://www.art-a-fair.com

First Thursdays Artwalk, Sept. 1. More than 40 Laguna Beach art galleries are participating in the 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. walk, with some offering refreshments, (949) 683-6871, http://firstthursdaysartwalk.com

Oktoberfest at St. Kilian, Sat.-Sun., Sept. 24-25, St. Kilian Catholic Church, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-4440, http://www.stkilianchurch.org

Movies, Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10 in Mission Viejo, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, (949) 582-4020, get show times, watch movie trailers, see what's coming soon at
http://www.moviefone.com/theater/edwards-kaleidoscope-stadium-10/32/showtimes

Political and Government Events Calendar

Mission Viejo City Council, Mon., Aug. 15, 6:00 p.m., agenda items include the issue of UDR’s high-density housing proposal. Councilmembers Cathy Schlicht and Rhonda Reardon appealed the Planning Commission’s 3-2 vote on July 11 to approve changing the project from 250 townhomes to 320 apartments.

Orange County Republican Party 400 Club Event featuring Congressman Darrell Issa, Tues., Aug. 16, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., reception, breakfast and program, Costa Mesa Ayres Hotel & Suites, 325 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, RSVP and information (714) 453-0900, http://ocgopaction.ning.com/events/400-club-event-featuring-congressman-darrell-issa

Meet Newt Gingrich, Richard Nixon Library, Wed., Aug. 17, 7:00 p.m., presidential candidate and architect of Contract with America. The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://events.nixonfoundation.org

Moulton Niguel Water District Board meeting Thurs., Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m., 27500 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-2500, http://www.mnwd.com/board-of-directors/agenda.aspx

Orange County Board of Supervisors, Tues., Aug. 23, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. http://www.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Board%20of%20Supervisors

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, regular meeting, Wed.., Aug. 24, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, agenda and supporting documentation are published on the website 72 hours prior to a meeting, (949) 234-9200, http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com

Atlas PAC will host a Day at the Races, Sat., Aug. 27, Del Mar Race Track, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 12:30 p.m., transportation arrangements via train to Del Mar will be available, special guest speaker. Contact rsvp@atlaspac.org

South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, Mon., Aug. 29, Ronald Reagan Board of Trustees Room, Room 145, Health Sciences/District Offices Building, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, (949) 582-4999, https://www.socccd.edu

Orange County Republican Party Silver Circle Club fundraising event, dinner and wine tasting with wine sommelier Michael Jordon, Thurs., Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour, 7:30 dinner and wine tasting, Mission Viejo Country Club, 26200 Country Club Drive, Mission Viejo, RSVP and information (714) 453-0900, http://ocgopaction.ning.com/events/ocgop-silver-circle-club-presents-dinner-and-wine-tasting-with

Commemoration of 9-11 at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Sept. 5 – Sept. 11, a week-long series of ceremonies, patriotic concerts and special displays commemorating the 9-11-01 terrorist attacks and the effort to combat global terrorism,18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 993-5075, : http://nixonfoundation.org

Saddleback Valley Unified School District board meeting is scheduled Tues., Sept. 13, 6:15 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo,(949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us

Taste of Capo – save the date – Capistrano Valley High School, Oct. 21, 6:00 p.m., $15 presale and $20 at the door. More than 20 booths, good-size samples of food from each restaurant, 26301 Via Escolar, Mission Viejo, (949) 364-6100.

El Toro Water District Community Advisory Group Meeting, Thurs., Nov. 3, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch served at 11:30; meeting starts at noon, 24251 Los Alisos Blvd., Lake Forest, (949) 837-0660, http://www.etwd.com

The Buzz

When Planning Commissioners voted 3-2 on July 11 to allow UDR Inc.’s switch from condos to apartments, who were they representing? The majority (Bob Bruchmann, Rick “Trick” Sandzimier and Steve Spillman) weren’t representing or listening to the residents. No resident spoke or turned in written comments in favor of apartments. Those who spoke in favor are either part of the developer’s team or they don’t live in Mission Viejo. The two commissioners voting on behalf of Mission Viejo residents against the bait-and-switch apartments were Bill Ernisse and Cliff Swan.

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The Tea Party isn’t a political party, and there are no Tea Party candidates on the ballot.

Remarks during the Aug. 11 GOP presidential debate emphasized that the Tea Party is about ideas and principles over parties. Linda D., who leads the Laguna Patriots group, sent her assessment of the debate: “Santorum is probably not electable; talks about America needing to be a moral nation to be great again – I agree and it is a shame no others talk about this. Michele Bachman stays true to her conservative beliefs and embraces real Tea Party values. Ron Paul rambles and is in my opinion naive about the world around us. Cain is well-spoken and has conservative ideas. Newt is very knowledgeable; I loved his comments – the debt committee is a joke, and the Fed should be uncovered and not allowed to work behind closed doors. Huntsman for some reason I do not trust. Romney I liked; he wants marriage between man and woman, delete Obamacare, but I particularly liked when earlier in the day at a rally a heckler got this response from him, ‘There was a time people in this country were not attacked for being successful,’ and he went on to say ‘50 percent of Americans pay no taxes in this country.’ Pawlenty to me seems all about talking points.”

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From Dawn Wildman, president, SoCal Tax Revolt Coalition Inc., “This is the second video of an interview with Rosa Kiore. She is a liberal Democrat. Yet, she is very concerned about Agenda 21 and ICLEI taking our private property. Santa Rosa, CA, has deemed large areas of the city as blighted. This is a part of Agenda 21. Please take time to watch this if you value your rights.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsvogwU9Kp4&feature=player_embedded

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LONG LIVE AMERICA is the Southern California Tea Party show on KCEO AM 1000 in San Diego and Orange County from 8-10 p.m. PST or www.longliveamerica.com . Robert Homesley writes, “LONG LIVE AMERICA is the only real talk radio show in Southern California that not only has comedy, but we are the only one that does not duck issues or legitimate callers on any political issue. Political correctness is killing talk radio, hence the terribly predictable, milquetoast, non-abrasive shows on the major stations in San Diego and Los Angeles. We spit on political correctness and are still the only original show here in So. Cal. on AM radio. Please call in at (760) 931-1604 to speak your mind. God Bless.”

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“The riots in the UK are a terrible wakeup call to the U.S. A grand Leftist experiment gone horribly wrong, and not that far advanced from the experiment being run by our own Socialist Left. The destruction of the family, the ruination of education and respect for authority. This is our future if we don't turn things around, and it isn't that far away.” http://www.republicanassemblies.org/britains-feral-youth-a-wake-up-call-for-america

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“Is Obama Smart?” The Aug. 9 Wall Street Journal article was forwarded by Bruce of Mission Viejo, who commented, “I'm glad to see that my opinion from the beginning (that Obama supporters confuse glibness with brilliance) is in print – especially the WSJ!  He is exceptionally glib but not smart, and just about everything he's done reinforces my opinion.”

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From the WSJ article, is Obama the smartest president ever? “Even when he's criticized, his failures are usually chalked up to his supposed brilliance. Liberals say he's too cerebral for the Beltway rough-and-tumble; conservatives often seem to think his blunders, foreign and domestic, are all part of a cunning scheme to turn the U.S. into a combination of Finland, Cuba and Saudi Arabia. I don't buy it. I just think the president isn't very bright.” http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424053111904140604576495932704234052-lMyQjAxMTAxMDAwOTEwNDkyWj.html?mod=wsj_share_email_bot

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Matt Kibbe of FreedomWorks.com writes, “When President Obama signed the final deal to increase the debt ceiling, he kicked the can further down the road instead of addressing our nation's fiscal problems now. The deal falls dramatically short of the goals of Cut, Cap, Balance legislation, which was championed by FreedomWorks, a broad coalition of grassroots groups and Tea Party lawmakers. But what we saw in this debate was a liberal President, a Democrat-controlled Senate and a Republican-controlled House all shift their positions toward the Tea Party. When we made our voices heard, everyone started talking about spending cuts, not tax increases.” Kibbe urges everyone to take action, http://connect.freedomworks.org/portals/august-action?src=aug5

• Tell your representatives to:
  Support the Lee/Wash Balanced Budget Amendment.
• Force Congress' new "super committee" to cut more spending than was in the debt ceiling deal.
• Stop the regulatory train wreck at Obama's EPA.
• Support Rep. Connie Mack's Penny Plan to reduce federal spending.
• Push Congress to recognize the ideas of our Tea Party Debt Commission.

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Contrary to Gov. Jerry Brown’s economic pipe dream, California is more than $500 million in the red one month into the new fiscal year.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44099607/ns/local_news-bakersfield_ca/t/state-budget-falls-short-estimates . Those in touch with reality expect an even bigger shortfall in August. From http://missionviejodispatch.com , Mission Viejo City Hall is also out of touch with the real economic picture: “Defying statistics is one of several gimmicks to make it a ‘balanced budget.’ It’s no wonder why balanced City budgets the past several years have given way to more than $10 million in combined deficits, with faulty revenue projections and overspending on non-essential purchases.” http://missionviejodispatch.com/budget/letter-rosey-revenue-forecast-distorts-mv-budget