By Allison Jarrell
Retiring Councilman Roy Byrnes was honored at the Feb. 17 San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting for his service to the community from 1972 to 1976, and again from 2012 to 2014. Byrnes served as mayor for two back-to-back terms and had a hand in creating the San Juan’s first general plan.
“Tonight is really bittersweet for me in particular, but frankly I think for the entire city,” said Mayor Derek Reeve, who later added that Byrnes’ “wisdom and guidance has certainly served the community and the City Council quite well.”
In addition to comments from council members and the public about Byrnes’ work, Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and a representative for Assemblyman Bill Brough also honored Byrnes at the meeting.
New Councilman John Perry was sworn in at the same meeting, following his Feb. 10 appointment to the council. Perry thanked his colleagues for the appointment and said he intends to work hard to keep the respect of his supporters.
“For the people who didn’t support me … I’m going to have to work extra hard to get and keep your support,” Perry said.
