JT

John Taylor

Mayor Pro Tem, District 42022-12-13 – 2026-12-01 (oath of office administered December 13, 2022 as newly appointed District 4 Council Member per approved City Council minutes item C5; month-level end: December 2026 four-year term per city council page 'Council Members are elected to a four-year term', seated December 2022 cycle)

No biography on file yet.

At a glance

News mentions
0

Term ending Dec 1, 2026.

Voice

Meetings spoken in
22
Total speaking time
1:11:12
Avg per meeting
3:14
Segments
1046

Want every word Taylor has said?

The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Taylor said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.

Top issues during term (20)

critical→Jan 2026[40]

Distrito La Novia Development: BMW Dealership and 95 Homes

About $4 million in one-time city fees, roughly $2 million a year in sales tax from BMW, and a $1.2 million affordable housing in-lieu fee.

high↑Apr 2026[32]

Rosenbaum Road vacation and land sale to St. John Chrysostom Church

The city received $2,500 for the parcel sale while spending funds on surveying and legal notices.

high↑Oct 2026[23]

Paving the Camino La Croix trail for emergency evacuation

He suggests reallocating funds from the public improvement budget — no cost estimate given.

medium↑May 2026[22]

Mission Hacienda Plaza sign program and downtown design character

No direct city cost; the private applicant bears project expenses and pays a flat fee under the city's older sign program incentive.

critical↑Oct 2026[20]

Norte Fire Response and Erosion Control

The city forgoes plan check and inspection fee revenue to speed fire recovery for affected homeowners.

high↑Feb 2026[19]

Legacy Ranch Project at Northwest Open Space

Unknown — the negotiation covers the price the city might pay for the property.

high↑Jan 2026[18]

Compass Energy Storage Project litigation

The 90-day litigation stay pauses the city's legal costs while it decides whether to keep pursuing the suit.

high↓Apr 2026[17]

50-unit senior affordable housing on Don Juan Avenue

The city bought the site for $2.35 million in housing in-lieu funds; additional dedicated housing funds may be recommended at the July 21 hearing.

high↑Oct 2026[16]

French Hotel project and historic adobe restoration

The developer says the hotel will generate transient occupancy tax, sales tax, and property tax while drawing customers to nearby shops and restaurants.

medium↑Sep 2026[15]

Calle Jardin / Alipaz Street property negotiation

Any eventual sale or lease price for the parcel isn't public yet.

medium↑Oct 2026[15]

Camino Capistrano Freeway Noise and Traffic Safety

None for the city; relies on Caltrans study.

high↓Jun 2026[15]

Appointment of Matisse Reischl as City Manager

Reichl's salary will be set in a forthcoming employment agreement; Siegel serves through December 31, 2026.

high↓Jun 2026[12]

Ortega Highway Caltrans Lane Expansion Impacts

None for the city; relies on Caltrans study.

medium↑Jun 2026[12]

New Parking Management Positions

Up to $50,000 more for the consultant now, plus enforcement staffing costs to be quantified in the upcoming implementation plan.

high↓Jul 2026[12]

San Juan Creek Road right-of-way acquisition

The purchase price is still being negotiated, so the cost to the city isn't public yet.

high↓Sep 2026[12]

Ortega Highway noise impacts on El Nido Mobile Estates

None for the city; relies on Caltrans study.

high↓Apr 2026[12]

Anticipated litigation — significant exposure (2 items)

Unknown; significant exposure to litigation is disclosed but amounts are confidential.

medium↓Feb 2026[11]

Los Rios Plaza uses expansion study (CA 26-001)

The applicant projects additional sales tax revenue for the city from expanded commercial activity.

medium↑Oct 2026[10]

Vehicle miles traveled as the sole significant unavoidable impact

The project sits next to the train station and the 91 bus line, giving guests and employees alternatives to driving.

low↑Nov 2026[10]

Shared Fire Hydrant for Pharmacist Farms Area

Decisions during term (262)

Recorded while Taylor was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.

approved5-0Nov 4, 2026

Consent Calendar (balance: E.1, E.2, E.3, E.5, E.7)

approved5-0Nov 4, 2026

E.4 Adoption of Ordinance — Code Amendment (CA) 25-005 and Third Amendment to Development Agreement (DA) 26-002, Distrito La Novia

approved5-0Nov 4, 2026

E.6 Waiver of City Permit and Impact Fees for Norte Fire Structures

approved4-0Nov 4, 2026

D.1 Legacy Ranch Project — EIR Certification, CA 25-001, CUP 26-004, and Lease Agreement

approved5-0Nov 4, 2026

Approval of City Council Minutes - Regular Meeting (Executive Session) of October 20, 2026

approved5-0Nov 4, 2026

Approval of City Council Minutes - Regular Meeting of October 20, 2026

approved5-0Oct 28, 2026

Approval of Consent Calendar (Item C.1 only)

approved5-0Oct 28, 2026

General Plan Conformance — Rosenbaum Road and Trabuco Creek Road Vacations and Surplus Property Disposition (C.2)

tabled5-0Oct 28, 2026

Sign Program (SP) 26-013 — Mission Hacienda Plaza (E.1)

approvedVoted yes4-1Oct 20, 2026

Distrito La Novia Project Approval (Resolutions 26-10-20-01 through 26-10-20-04)

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Extension of Meeting Past 9:00 p.m. (Policy 128)

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Consent Calendar Items E1-E12

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Ratification of Local Emergency Proclamation — Norte Fire (Resolution 26-10-20-07)

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Successor Agency Consent Calendar (B1-B3)

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Motion to Read Ordinance by Title Only

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Approval of City Council Minutes - Regular Meeting (Executive Session) of October 6, 2026

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Approval of City Council Minutes - Regular Meeting of October 6, 2026

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

New Development Application Status Report (440.10)

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the City’s Municipal Code Regarding Filling of Council Vacancies and Finding Said Action Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, Sections…

approved5-0Oct 20, 2026

Appointment to the Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission (110.20)

Voting record (60)

35 yes6 no19 abstained

Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.

Voted yesOct 20, 2026

adopt RESOLUTION 26-10-20-01 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, CONSIDERING AND APPROVING A SECOND ADDENDUM TO THE CERTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPA

Voted yesOct 20, 2026

Distrito La Novia Project Approval (Resolutions 26-10-20-01 through 26-10-20-04)

Voted yesOct 6, 2026

find actions categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); RESOLUTION 26-10-06-01 adopted entitled, “A RESOLU

Voted yesOct 6, 2026

Resolutions of Intention to Vacate Rosenbaum Road and Trabuco Creek Road and Sell City Property

Voted yesSep 1, 2026

Downtown Parking Implementation Plan — Near-Term Recommendations (F.1.a)

The incremental, data-driven approach is the right rollout; limiting on-street parking and starting enforcement is step one.

Voted yesSep 1, 2026

receive a presentation from Dixon Resources Unlimited; and staff directed to implement the plans’ near-term recommendations, including: (1) Update Municipal Code language; (2) Hire dedicated parking s

AbstainedAug 18, 2026

approve consent calendar items E1 through E7, as recommended by staff, with Mayor Pro Tem Taylor recused from item E6

AbstainedAug 4, 2026

Consent Calendar (Items E.1 through E.9)

Recused due to proximity of Los Rios Park to his residence

AbstainedAug 4, 2026

to approve consent calendar items E1 through E9, as recommended by staff with Mayor Pro Tem Taylor recused from E9.

AbstainedJul 21, 2026

adopted RESOLUTION 26-07-21-01 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY A

AbstainedJul 21, 2026

Tea House on Los Rios AUP extension (AUP 21-001)

Recused due to proximity of the Tea House to his residence.

AbstainedJun 16, 2026

to adopted RESOLUTION NO. 26-06-16-10 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA MAKING A FINDING OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE OR NECESSITY REQUIRED BY THE CAL

Voted noJun 16, 2026

to allocate $300,000 from the Parks fund to conduct remedial improvements during the remaining summer months at the Marco Forster Sports Fields.

Voted noJun 16, 2026

Allocation of $300,000 for Marco Forster Sports Fields improvements

Concerned the money would be wasted since the fields will be torn out under the future improvement plan.

AbstainedJun 16, 2026

Public convenience or necessity finding for Tecovas beer license

Voted yesJun 2, 2026

Acceptance of Works of Improvement and Notice of Completion — Tract 19063, The Farm (Lennar Homes)

Voted yesMay 19, 2026

approve consent calendar items E1 through E8, as recommended by staff.

AbstainedMay 19, 2026

authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the current Professional Services Agreement with LSA Associates Inc. (LSA) for revisions to the project description and Environmental Impact Re

Voted yesMay 19, 2026

find the recommended vacation action categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Section 15061(b)(3), 15301 and 15305; find the recommended property sale

AbstainedMay 19, 2026

direct staff to communicate City Council’s support of Senate Bills 936 (Nitrous Oxide Containers), 1167 (Electric Bicycles “E-Bikes”) And Assembly Bill 1569 (E-Bike Safety Training) to the bill author

Voted yesMay 19, 2026

Rosenbaum Road/Trabuco Creek Road vacation and property sale — public hearing continued

Voted yesMay 19, 2026

Consent calendar items E.1 through E.8 approved

AbstainedMay 5, 2026

approve consent calendar items E1 through E12, as recommended by staff

AbstainedMay 5, 2026

adopted City Council Policy 139 establishing procedures for disruption of telephonic or internet service during public meetings

AbstainedMay 5, 2026

adopt RESOLUTION 26-05-05-02 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA INITIATING CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 26-003, A STUDY TO AMEND THE CITY’S LAND USE CODE

AbstainedMay 5, 2026

approve the reading and introduction of an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AMENDING THE CITY’S LAND USE CODE REGULATING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

review faux and natural material samples for construction of monument signs; natural materials selected a preferred material; additional funding of $250,000 for construction, approved; and actions fou

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

approve consent calendar items E1 through E7, E9 through E13, as recommended by staff, with Mayor Pro Tem Taylor recusing from items E7 and E12.

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

approve the reading and introduction of an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVEING CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 25-004 TO AMEND MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 7-8.

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

Introduction of Wireless Facilities Ordinance (CA 25-004)

AbstainedApr 21, 2026

Consent Calendar (Items E1-E7, E9-E13)

Recused from items E7 and E12 due to proximity of his residence and a family employment relationship with the Mission Place property owner.

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

Unidos South OC License Amendment (E8) — Pulled for Discussion

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

Rosenbaum Road/Trabuco Creek Road Vacation and Property Sale Resolutions (F1a)

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

find the actions categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); RESOLUTION 26-04-21-01 adopted entitled, “A RE

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the License Agreement with Unidos South OC, Inc., for expanded use of the city-owned TJ Meadows building located At 31421 La Matanza Street; an

Voted noApr 21, 2026

find Public Convenience or Necessity, as required by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, to allow for the on-premises consumption of beer, wine and distilled spirits within a prop

Voted yesApr 21, 2026

Monument Sign Materials and $250,000 Funding (F2a)

Prefers natural stone that matches downtown stonework and will not fade.

Voted noApr 21, 2026

Public Convenience or Necessity Finding — Capo Cigar Lounge Type 57 License (F3a)

Voted yesApr 7, 2026

approved the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement with the County of Orange for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services; the City Manager authorized to execute the agreeme

Voted yesApr 7, 2026

approve the reading and introduction of an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVEING CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 21-006 TO AMEND MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 1-8.

Voted yesApr 7, 2026

approve consent calendar items E1 through E8, as recommended by staff.

Voted yesApr 7, 2026

Approval of WISE Agreement with County of Orange and updated solid waste rates

Voted yesApr 7, 2026

Introduction of ordinance approving Code Amendment (CA) 21-006 — Housing Element Implementation Code Updates

Voted yesApr 7, 2026

Consent calendar items E1 through E8

Voted yesMar 17, 2026

to approve consent calendar items E1 through E9, E11, E12 and E13, as recommended by staff, with Mayor Pro Tem Taylor recused from item E7.

AbstainedMar 17, 2026

to find the actions exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15305, Class 5 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limita

Voted yesMar 17, 2026

Consent calendar (E1–E9, E11–E13)

AbstainedMar 3, 2026

approve the first reading and introduction of an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 25-003 TO AMEND THE LOS RIOS SPECIFIC P

AbstainedFeb 17, 2026

continue the item to the March 3, 2026, meeting

Voted yesFeb 17, 2026

adopted ORDINANCE 1131 entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF TITLE 8 OF THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADO