LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Bring Back the Historical Preservation Manager

EDITOR'S NOTE: This letter is addressed to the City Council, but the author wanted it also published here.

Ladies and gentlemen of the San Juan Capistrano City Council,

We are not just another city – we are complex and unique. And, we know progress is inevitable. What is bothersome is how progress is taking place in San Juan Capistrano. From the very beginning of this town's creation, during pre-Mission times, we accommodated new settlers. Progress in those early days was comfortable. There was giving and taking, what some might call a "happy marriage" between the Juaneño indians, early Spanish/Californios and Europeans who came to settle in this valley.

Fast forward to the last few years and between new ideas, economic challenges, corporate interests, progress has become uncomfortable, self-serving and the "happy marriage" is crumbling before our eyes.

We implore this council to show its respect of San Juan Capistrano by protecting the elements that are so vitally important. San Juan Capistrano is a tourist town. Yet, how are you protecting the very sites they are coming to visit? The majority of visitors have expressed that they come here to be educated by San Juan Capistrano's rich history and sense of spirituality. As our elected officials are obligated to uphold the city's motto: "Preserving the Past to Enhance the Future."

We ask that this council and the city manager take a long, hard look at the historical make-up of this community, its contributions and historical resources. Commit yourselves to doing all you can to staff the position of Historic Preservation Manager, someone educated and dedicated to preserving the birthplace of Orange County. 

We will constantly remind you of your obligations as elected officials. You are the guardians of this community's priceless, historical treasurers.

The Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee (Jerry Nieblas, president; Janice Pickartz, vice president/secretary; Missy Rios-Garcia, treasurer; GiGi Nieblas, Theresa-Nieblas Saunders, David Belardes and Garry Meeker, all board members at large; Barbara Clancey, financial adviser; and Nollie Rios-Garcia, honorary member) stands behind its mission statement – "With integrity, the Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee proudly recognizes, respects and honors ALL the historical elements of San Juan Capistrano~its land, its structures, its families and its traditions..." 

Can all of you say the same??

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry Nieblas – president, Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee
Janice Pickartz – vice president/Secretary, Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee