There Is No Real Need for J. Serra High School

Re “J. Serra High Isn’t Playing Games,” Aug. 10:

This article left out some very important information. First of all, the school’s developers did not “win” City Council approval. They bullied their way into City Hall by way of a ballot initiative (in which they misled the public as to what they wanted to build and what would be built if they did not sign). Then they backed the City Council up against the wall, forcing it to either violate the city’s general plan and approve a school where city staff adamantly opposed it, or be forced into a costly special election. Oh, and don’t forget thousands of dollars in campaign contributions during this process.

Then the article neglected to mention that as of yet, the school has no approval to build any sports facilities on the 29-acre parcel. The environmental process is just now beginning. They are years away from having those facilities built, if they are approved. Not to mention, any athlete with real potential is going to want to go to a real school with a proven track record, no matter who is coaching.

And how conveniently the article glossed over how many of the Juaneno band of Mission Indians are opposed to the project, which is being built right on top of an ancient burial ground, that is one of the last undisturbed sacred sites in Orange County.

Good for Coach Curt Bauer from Santa Margarita Catholic High School for recognizing that there is no real need to build this school. There already are several private high schools in San Juan Capistrano, plus Santa Margarita and Sage Hill close by. Where will all these new students come from? You can’t offer everyone a scholarship.

J. Serra definitely is playing games -- too bad they don’t play fair.

Erin Kutnick

San Juan Capistrano