Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mission Viejo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with medium priority
Three-minute public comment mic cutoff
Former council member Kathy Schlicht sharply criticized the automatic three-minute microphone shutoff for public speakers, calling it an unfair restriction on First Amendment rights that the council doesn't apply to itself.
City employee compensation and council candidacy of Brian Zahn
Several speakers, organized by South OC for Democracy, raised concerns that council candidate Bryan Zahn accepted donations from businesses holding city contracts, questioned his past overtime as a city supervisor, and tied him to flock cameras and pesticide decisions. The mayor called it campaign-season noise.
Wildfire Mitigation Funding
A resident praised ongoing fuel-reduction work protecting homes bordering Wilderness Glen and urged the city to keep pursuing grants to expand it.
Integrated Pest Management Program Update
Prompted by cancer cluster concerns in nearby Ladera Ranch, the council is considering stronger pesticide rules — organic-first requirements, playground protections, and better public notice. Staff will return with a redlined policy on September 22.
Graffiti, Catalytic Converter Thefts, and Mall Crisis Response
Mission Viejo leads Orange County in catalytic converter thefts — 21 since January 1, mostly older Toyotas. Police urge garage parking, anti-theft cages, engraving your plate number, and quick reporting.
Public Service Department Overtime Questions
A resident flagged what he called unexplained, hefty overtime in the Public Service Department — including one retiring employee who reportedly doubled his pay — and asked why.
Fire Hydrant and Water Valve Inspection Program
A resident discovered hydrant and water valve inspections stopped after 2019, and recent replacements in his neighborhood found failed valves. He urged the city to restore a citywide inspection schedule.
Trabuco Wetlands Habitat Rehabilitation
State and federal regulators are requiring the city to restore wetlands north of the golf club — and at the Oso Creek golf course — as mitigation for Lower Curtis Park grading problems, at a cost of about $740,000 in contracts and new funding.
Muirlands Boulevard Speeding
A longtime resident described repeated crashes — including hit-and-runs — near his home since Muirlands became a freeway cut-through, and asked for a flashing speed sign.
Road resurfacing and acceleration lane projects
Council Member Vasquez announced a long-overdue acceleration lane coming to Marguerite and La Sierra, the spot where Sgt. Matt Davis was killed years ago.
HOA nuisance wildlife (rabbit) control variances
Four HOAs can keep managing rabbit damage using the most humane means possible, including controlled firearms use, for another 24 months. Rabbits were causing expensive turf damage, and shooting is considered more humane than poison, which harms other wildlife.
Oso Creek Golf Course electric mower purchase
A resident urged Mission Viejo to ban gas-powered mowers and leaf blowers like Irvine did, citing emissions stats; another resident pushed back. No council action taken — just a public airing.
Property tax misallocation between Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel
If Edison wins its lawsuit against the State Board of Equalization, Mission Viejo could owe about $206,000 in refunded property taxes over five years.
La Mancha Playground Funding
Kraig Erickson, backed by new neighbor Courtney Taman-Kline, urged the council to revive the 2019 capital plan to add play equipment to La Mancha Park, seeking grant funding (Prop 64) rather than the full $1.4 million upfront. About 2,000 residents have no play area within half a mile.
Public EV Charging Stations at Civic Center
Two public Level 2 chargers are coming to Civic Center by early August, funded entirely by grants. Users will pay 42 cents per kilowatt hour — cheaper than Tesla superchargers — with the fee covering electricity, transaction costs, and program administration.
November 3, 2026 Municipal Election
All five council districts are up for election this November. Candidates can pull and file nomination papers from July 13 to August 8, 2026, and candidate statements cost candidates roughly $540-$551 each.
Deferred park and infrastructure maintenance
About $2.7 million in landscaping, park amenities, playground surfacing and City Hall improvements are deferred to balance the budget, though day-to-day maintenance and tree trimming are preserved.