SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : New Councilman, Mayor Are Selected

The city this week got a new councilman and a new mayor, each selected by the City Council to serve one-year terms.

Gil Jones, who is finishing his first year on the council, was elected mayor by a unanimous vote Tuesday night. A former city planning commissioner, Jones is the owner of the Jones Mini-Farm in San Juan Capistrano.

“I never in my wildest dreams imagined an old farmer like myself could have such a responsible job, such an important job,” said Jones, 50. “I love this city.”

Kenneth E. Friess, the most recent mayor, was elected mayor pro tem.

Jerry Harris, 43, owner of Rancho Sierra Vista equestrian center, was unanimously appointed by the council to fill the unexpired term of Lawrence F. Buchheim, who resigned recently due to poor health. Harris finished fifth in last year’s council election.

“I’ve been involved with the city for a number of years as a citizen; it’s been good to me and this is something I can do to give a little back,” said Harris, who has served on several city commissions and most recently as chairman of the city’s open-space committee. “I am committed to preserving the character of the town and the lifestyle of the town. It is a little oasis in the middle of the urban sprawl.”

Harris said he has made no plans to run for a new term when his appointed term expires next November.

“That’s not anything I have decided now,” said Harris, an 18-year San Juan Capistrano resident. “I’m stepping in to fill the void left by one of the living legends in San Juan Capistrano. Those are some tough shoes to fill.”