MISSION VIEJO : Bees Barred; <i> Incompatible</i> Is Buzzword

For years, residents of Via Amistoso had picked bee stingers out of their children, scooped the fuzzy insects out of their pools, swatted at them during back-yard barbecues and wondered where they were coming from.

In late April, they found out. Since 1974, Via Amistoso resident Charles Henry’s back yard has been home to 140,000 to 280,000 bees.

This week, Henry appealed a recent city order to remove his seven hives. After listening to several angry and frightened neighbors, the City Council turned Henry down.

“This is a horrible, incompatible use in a high-density neighborhood,” Councilman Robert Breton told Henry. “I find your lack of sensitivity to your neighbors to be appalling.”

Henry now has seven days to find a new home for his bees. So far, the soft-spoken beekeeper is still looking while he wonders what all the fuss was about.

Over the years, county and city employees have known about the bees, Henry said. Many neighbors have too, some of whom received regular gifts of honey. Local schools and Scout troops have also visited the beehives on field trips, he said.

The Orange County Vector Control District, which handles calls regarding insects and vermin capable of carrying disease, refers people with bee problems to Henry several times a week, said a district employee.

The danger of bee stings is more imagined than real, Henry said.

“People have a profound fear of bees,” he said. “Often they get a little hysterical about them. Bees do not swarm if they are taken care of. My bees do not swarm.”

Henry said he uses the bee honey and pollen for health reasons and to help pollinate a small grove of fruit trees in his back yard.

But over the years, many of Henry’s neighbors have moved. And several of the new residents say they were outraged to learn of the bees when a code enforcement officer knocked on their door in April.

To several of Henry’s neighbors, the bees are a constant, harassing presence.

“The bees are around all the time,” said Niki Jacovides, who moved next door to Henry last year. “I can’t even go outside to sweep up the front porch. I feel like a prisoner in my own home.”

Vicki Lee Dillon told the council that last summer, a work crew re-roofing her home was attacked by bees. “They started screaming and yelling and climbing down,” she said. “I consider myself (legally) liable” should a bee-related accident occur.

Dillon said she is allergic to bees and is nervous about their presence.

“Sometimes I get home and I’m even afraid to get out of my car” when bees are around, she said.

In one exchange with Henry, Breton suggested that the bees were a danger to the neighborhood.

“They are no more hazardous than your dog or cat,” replied Henry.

“I don’t have 140,000 dogs,” Breton shot back.”

Mission Viejo has an ordinance that specifically prohibits raising bees within city limits. The council pointed to the law as they denied Henry’s bid to keep the bees.

“I just think it is not a good, common-sense idea to raise that many bees in a high-density area,” said Councilwoman Susan Withrow.

Henry hopes to find a place to move his bees before the council-imposed deadline. Somewhere in San Diego County would be nice, he said.

“I think they’re a little more liberal about bees in San Diego County,” he said.