Letter Writers: Stop Fining for At-Home Bible Studies

A wave of e-mails from across the county and state likening San Juan Capistrano to North Korea and other communist countries are washing into City Hall.

On file in the city clerk's office are hundreds of pages of e-mails sent in response to news that code enforcement has fined a couple for hosting .

"Which is it your city is trying to emulate? Soviet Union or North Korea?" wrote one such critic, who signed his letter: "Disgustingly yours, Jack Stewart."

Stewart is one of a few who, after receiving a response from the city, recanted his position.

In San Juan Capistrano, gatherings of religious and fraternal organizations in residential areas require a permit. The permits, city officials say, ensure there is sufficient parking on nearby streets to host the get-togethers.

"Really? One needs a permit to hold a Bible study in one's home? Isn’t your city in the USA? Or is San Juan Capistrano now a part of China? They do this stuff there," wrote La Jolla resident Bruce van Dam.

As is the case with Charles and Stephanie Fromm, the city only enforces the permit requirement when a neighbor complains, Omar Sandoval, the city's attorney, has said.

Letter-writer Jack Stewart did a 180 when San Juan Capistrano's executive services manager, Cathy Salcedo, explained that the Fromms' gatherings were creating traffic and parking problems in their sprawling ranch-style neighborhood.

"I am not glad I fell for what appear to be a manipulative story ... thank you for taking the time to respond and explaining the pertinent details of this issue," Stewart concluded.

Other letter writers said they fear the city's rules mean they can't host parties at their homes. "You're going to be spending every Saturday and Sunday afternoon going door to door fining people! How about birthday parties, family gatherings, football parties, etc. etc." wrote Anaheim resident Doug Shively.

The Fromms and the city are headed to court next month to settle the matter. A hearing date was scheduled Oct. 7 in Orange County Superior Court, but Charles Fromm has requested a one-week continuance due to a business trip.

He is the publisher of Worship Leader magazine, a San Juan Capistrano-based publication.

City Councilman Derek Reeve has said he wants the City Council to take up the issue. The agenda for the council's next meeting isn't out yet.