Sounding Off:

In Orange County, we’re kind of used to having destructive fires after a long, dry summer season.

We also get flooded houses as soon as big rains set in. We haven’t had a major earthquake in years, but it could hit us any time.

As far as politics, Orange County is as unstable as our natural surroundings, even though many residents might feel otherwise.

It’s cool, organized, clean cut, and has “nice” people, they often say. Well, I don’t think I agree with that. Do you?

Just to remind people how volatile Orange County can get, Costa Mesa Councilwoman Wendy Leece, a lady known for having strong religious beliefs, has recently brought an interesting issue to the local council table. She would like to have a sign reading, “In God We Trust,” displayed in the Council Chambers.

Whether this issue is unconstitutional is out of the question.

Most rational people agree it is unconstitutional, unless, of course, you are a Christian fundamentalist iconoclast.

On the surface, this appears to be a fight between atheists and Christians, or Democrats against Republicans. Knowing the voting population in Costa Mesa, I don’t think it works out that way, though some liberals in the city might like to engage in the fight. They could do that, and deservedly, if they wish.

However, I would rather ask those of us who are inclined to support the “Burro Party” to get a bag of popcorn, sit on a comfortable chair and watch a fight between social conservatives and Libertarians.

I’m not a political “brujo,” but this is what I have in mind: Councilwoman Katrina Foley is likely to vote against the measure.

I don’t think anybody doubts her religious commitments, but her views on division of church and state are much stronger.

Leece isn’t counting on Foley, even though both of them made an interesting “partnership” during the last council meetings. Leece is hoping to get two of the three guys on her side.

Let’s see if she gets her wishes. Councilman Gary Monahan’s Libertarian side is much stronger than his social conservatism.

So he’ll join Foley. Mayor Allan Mansoor, who has received an honorary title from the Minuteman Project, has already disclosed his desires to become an assemblyman, so he’ll use this opportunity to show his pro-business, Libertarian views.

Eric Bever isn’t hard to determine. He often goes with the flow, and rarely analyzes when voting. He’ll say no.

Sorry, Leece, you’re on the losing side this time.

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HUMBERTO CASPA is a Costa Mesa resident.