San Juan Capistrano Open Space Program Draws Commentaries

* This is in response to the editorial (“Residents Not Getting Money’s Worth” Nov. 14), about the San Juan Capistrano Open Space Program. Your remarks cannot go unchallenged as they do a great disservice to all citizens who were active in the Open Space Bond Issue in 1990, supported the measure, and who have since provided input into the Open Space Master Plan.

Your editorial gives a totally misleading picture of the status of our Open Space Program, and I want to set the record straight.

In your editorial, you state “residents won’t find out for several years how the open space property might best be used.” You are wrong. After an extensive process of community involvement, an Open Space Master Plan was approved by the City Council in June, 1992. This plan defines the uses of each property and the layout of open space development activities on each property.

The city’s priority is to implement the Open Space Master Plan, and the lands involved in this are greater than just the Swanner property. The City Council has defined the following priorities:

* Sports Park Phase I (Kinoshita property) improvements which will include three sports fields and related improvements.

* Community Center Phase I (Kinoshita property) and accessory improvements.

* Preservation of the Historic Joel Congdon Residence.

* Creation of a nature center and public access improvements to the North San Juan Capistrano site, (access road, trails,, picnic tables, and barbecues).

The city did receive three unsolicited proposals to use the Swanner property on an interim basis. The city’s interest in the idea of interim use was in exchange for removing dead trees from the site and transferring land maintenance and upkeep costs, therefore saving open space funds.

In responding to these proposals, the City Council determined the proposal from Mr. (Jerry) Harris provided the greatest public access options and allowed for the transfer of the site’s maintenance and upkeep costs. The City Council has directed staff to pursue further discussions with Mr. Harris to define a proposal sufficiently to develop a written agreement for consideration.

The City Council has not “broken faith” on the issue of open space preservation. A Master Plan has been approved and a schedule of open space improvements has been set and is being followed. Consideration of an interim use at one of the properties is not inconsistent with the goals of the program and may in fact allow the city to stretch its open space monies a little further to the benefit of our residents.

GIL JONES

Mayor, San Juan Capistrano

* I am shocked and outraged to read about the proposals to turn over city-owned open space to former City Councilman Jerry Harris.

First of all, there has been virtually no open discussion or community input at the suggestion of turning over this property to Harris. I am concerned that this is just another “back-room deal” that the public finds out about all too late.

Open space is intended for community use and to address the needs of all citizens of San Juan Capistrano. This is public property being financed by public bonds. The land will never go away. Thus, there is no need to create a land rush mentality.

I place my hope and trust in newly appointed mayor-elect Colleen Campbell to protect the interest of all of the citizens of San Juan Capistrano and not relinquish to the “good ol’ boys” and their pet projects. Councilman Jeff Vasquez and Councilwomen Carolyn Nash are absolutely correct in seeking to prevent what amounts to a gift of public property without public input.

Open space is intended for the public, not just an elite few who can afford the high cost of maintaining a horse in an equestrian center. This project appears to serve the well-off few, not the community as a whole.

At the very least, the city should not squander this property without competitive bidding process and open discussion. A “made to order” legal opinion should not be used to validate an irresponsible concept. South Orange County land is being sold at a premium, it should not be given away rent-free. We do not need another non-income producing project. After all, the citizens of San Juan Capistrano have a long term interest in the purchase of this land.

It is the citizens of San Juan Capistrano who should decide the use of open space, not just a well connected clique.

CARLOS F. NEGRETE

San Juan Capistrano