MISSION VIEJO : Mayor Threatened, Cites Recall ‘Frenzy’

Pointing to the “frenzy” created by the city’s upcoming recall election, Mayor Christian W. Keena said Wednesday that he has been the subject of half a dozen death threats and has been forced to change his home phone number to curb the harassment.

“It’s insane. This is pure insanity,” Keena said. “I had one call where the person just said, ‘Tonight is the night you die,’ and hung up.”

Keena, who is officially neutral on Councilman Robert A. Curtis’ divisive recall battle, said he has received several threatening phone calls from a man with a nasally voice. He also said that guards at his condominium complex have been approached by strangers asking for his address and phone number.

Keena said he believes the threats are related to the recall vote, which is set for next Tuesday, but has no idea who may be behind them.

“I think the frenzy that’s been stirred by this recall has ignited some passions,” Keena said. “Those emotions have touched a lot of people, some of them very strongly.”

Lt. Richard Olson of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said deputies are investigating the alleged threats against Keena but had no other information about the case.

Curtis was skeptical of Keena’s allegations, calling them “part of a pattern” of behavior on the mayor’s part.

“I am so tired of this ‘poor me, Chris Keena’ syndrome,” Curtis said. “It’s gotten to be an inside joke on the council. . . . I think it’s peculiar.”