Politics & Government

Sounding Off: Ax the Dead Power Lines

A resident recommends the City Council remove high-tension power lines now silent after the closure of the San Onofre nuclear power plant.

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Several residents spoke before the Mission Viejo City Council Monday evening. Here are some of their comments:

  • F. Steven Masik of the Stoneridge subdivision said while walking behind his home he didn't hear the usual sizzle coming from nearby high-tension power lines.

    "They come from the now-dead San Onofre (Nuclear Generating Station). So I think there's an opportunity for the city to investigate a little more. And those are dead forever. Let's get 'em down, take those things out of there.

    "That land can now be used for development which is good for the economy as well. I'm not sure who owns it but that's something I think the city can work on."

  • Brian Skalsky once served on the Community Services Commission and ran for City Council in 2010. He accused Councilwoman Trish Kelley of lying to protect then-candidate Rick Sandzimier during an encounter with political opponent Joe Holtzman.

    "As many of you know, Mr. Sandzimier claims Mr. Holtzman hit him with his SUV in a dispute over campaign signs," Skalsky said. Kelley said he was hit before the investigation concluded.

    "Many residents simply believed that if Trish Kelley said it, it must be true. Not only was it untrue, she must have known it was untrue. Sandzimier recanted his story under direct investigation."

    "Your conduct was unbecoming of an elected official, especially considering you founded Mission Viejo's 'Character Counts' initiative," Skalsky said to Kelley. 

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Skalsky asked the council to bar council members from discussing ongoing police investigations.

  • Former Mission Viejo staff member Virginia Chavez from San Juan Capistrano:

    "I'm very impressed with the (Pacific Symphony) program and how well it went out. The city of Mission Viejo really gets it when it comes to the importance of the arts. The city understands the economic viability and community building of the arts and what it brings to the city.

    "When school arts are being cut, the City of Mission Viejo gets it. They get that the art festivals are free for their community and public. The city gets it with its community public art exhibits at the library and the community center. The city gets the arts by incorporating artists on the parkway gallery and on Crown Valley and Marguerite. The city continues to support the arts through lectures, musicals, drama and dance recitals. I commend the city council and city staff for understanding the importance of the arts."
  • 12-year Elks Lodge member Dennis Lumley told the council about a Sept. 1 bingo marathon. Proceeds for this year's game have been earmarked for disabled children, he said. In the past, proceeds have helped the city's five police dogs. The bingo marathon will be held in two sessions, the first from 9 a.m. to noon, and the second from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., he said.
    • Editor's Note: In an earlier version of this post, Brian Skalsky's last name was misspelled.

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