Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Juan Capistrano public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Cancellation of District 3 and 4 council elections
Because neither Mayor Campbell nor Mayor Pro Tem Taylor drew an opponent, the November 3 election for Districts 3 and 4 was canceled and the incumbents appointed. They'll be sworn in December 15, saving the city the cost of an uncontested election.
Appointment of Matisse Reischl as City Manager
Ben Siegel officially resigns effective year's end, and Matisse Reichl — who rose from clerk's office receptionist to assistant city manager over 11 years — takes over January 1, 2027. The 5-0 appointment signals continuity.
Seven-year capital improvement program priorities
The city's FY 2026-27 through 2032-33 project list covers street repaving (the county's best-rated roads), the La Novia underbridge, park and ADA upgrades, EV chargers, and long-overdue drainage fixes on Aviador/Perfecto that flood in moderate rain. The commission's consistency finding keeps it on track.
FY 2026-27 budget: roads, reserves and sports fields
The council adopted next year's budget with $3 million in added capital projects, including $200,000 to fix pickleball and basketball courts and $1 million more for arterial street paving. A contested 3-2 vote put $300,000 toward the worn Marco Forster sports fields this summer.