If you’ve been following local news in San Juan Capistrano, you know about the controversy over Juan the Dinosaur — the Apatosaurus replica that was installed at Zoomars Petting Zoo and that has some critics worried about the potential impact on Los Rios’s historical designation. Mostly recently, the Planning Commission rejected Juan’s permit application, stating that the dinosaur was “not compatible with the character of the Los Rios Street Historic District.” The City Council has the final say, however, and they will hear Juan’s case tonight. Opponents and supporters alike will be attending tonight’s San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting in an attempt to sway the Council’s verdict. The Patch is live-blogging the City Council meeting here: “Live at the Dino Hearing.” The meeting starts at 5 PM tonight (Tuesday, April 2, 2013).
In a 2-2 vote (with Mayor Taylor, who lives in the Los Rios District abstaining), the City Council failed to overturn the Planning Commission’s rejection of Juan the Dinosaur. The end result (unless Zoomars decided to pursue the matter in court) will be extinction for Juan. We loved the Patch’s live-blogging software, though. Great idea!