Watchdog Publication Extends Reach into Mission Viejo

Originally posted at 1:28 p.m. Sept. 4, 2013.

Capistrano Common Sense, an advocacy newsletter often critical of San Juan Capistrano City Hall, has changed its name and added commentary on Mission Viejo politics.

What was once Capistrano Common Sense is now Community Common Sense.

“The CCS is a free, non-partisan community watchdog newspaper distributed monthly to the cities of Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano,” says a description on the website.

Joining frequent San Juan Capistrano contributors Kim Lefner, John Perry and Councilman Roy Byrnes are Steve Magdziak, Joe Holtzman and Larry Gilbert.

Magdziak ran for state Assembly in the 73 District in 2012. He currently serves on the Mission Viejo Community Services Commission. 

Holtzman supported now-Mayor Rhonda Reardon in the 2010 election. He is currently being sued by a 2010 candidate. The candidate claims that Holtzman hit him with his SUV during the campaign, which Holtzman denied.

Gilbert backed Mission Viejo Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht during her 2012 re-election campaign.

The self-proclaimed “watchdog” group CCS has written about the recent lawsuit over water rates and a spat over banners on public property in San Juan. Now the newsletter publishes opinions on what to do with Mission Viejo city surpluses and the $1 million price tag for a future Mission Viejo dog park now under construction.

Asked about the change, Common Sense advertising coordinator Kim McCarty said, "We solicit and welcome submissions from the community, now including Mission Viejo. We also publicize charitable organizations and events, print news features/investigative reports, opinion columns and of course, advertising. We have been publishing for more than 3 1/2 years."

-- Patch Editor Peter Schelden contributed to this report.