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MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 2026
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
BUSINESS SESSION:
Mayor Campbell called the Regular meeting of January 20, 2026, of the City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano to order at 5:24 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance and Council Member Hart gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL:
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor John Campbell, Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor and Council Members Troy A. Bourne, Sergio Farias and Howard Hart.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
Agenda items are presented in the originally agendized format for the benefit of the minutes’ reader but were not necessarily heard in that order.
INTRODUCTIONS:
B1. COMMISSIONER INTRODUCTION – MAYOR PRO TEM CAMPBELL
INTRODUCED: Lee Kovel, Cultural Heritage Commissioner; Stan Braden, Jeff Moore and Ted Rosenfeldt, Planning Commissioners.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Public Comments: Nassim Bayat, City resident (provided a handout).
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
D1. RESOLUTION 26-01-20-01 ADOPTED APPROVING ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 23-004, GRADING PLAN MODIFICATION (GPM) 23-012, HISTORICAL & CULTURAL LANDMARK SITE PLAN REVIEW (SPR) 23-002, AND TREE REMOVAL PERMIT (TRP) 23-015, PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PROJECT, AN APPROXIMATELY 48,235 SQ. FT. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER WITH A TOTAL OF 450 SEATS WHICH WOULD BE LOCATED ON THE EASTERN
PORTION OF THE CITY-OWNED HISTORIC TOWN CENTER PARK
ADDRESSED AS 31872 AND 31882 EL CAMINO REAL (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS: 124-160-11 & -12) (APPLICANT: SJC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER) (410.60)
Public Correspondence: Due to the high volume of correspondence received, correspondence is kept in the City Clerk’s office and available as enclosures to the Agenda Report on the City’s website.
Joel Rojas, Development Services Director, provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions.
Mayor Campbell opened the public hearing.
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Public Comments: Scott Mcgreggor, SJC Performing Arts Center; Mechelle Lawrence Adams, Mission San Juan Capistrano; Michelle Hure, City business owner; Lee Kovel, City resident; Tom Scott, City resident; Heather Davis, City resident; Pam Looney, City resident; Michael Mulvihill, City resident; Brian Garrigan, City resident, Larry Kramer, City resident; Kathy Holman, City resident; Tom Hribar, City resident; Gail Fayad, City resident; Tyler Braun, City resident; Jeff Pries, City resident; John Thornton, City resident; Brian Vermeulen, City resident; Marty Scalzo, City resident; Pete, (no place of resident provided); Rosa Alarcon Hribar, City resident; Nathan Holthouser, City resident; Michelle Morgan, Dana Point resident; Laura Liv, City resident; Ed Beyer, City resident; Laura, (no place of resident provided); Frank Larkin, City resident; Amos Kelly, City resident; James Jones, City resident; Phil Schwartz, Bonsell resident; Anna Dickinson, City resident; Laura Newhall, City resident (did not speak, but instead registered their position for the record).
Mayor Campbell closed the public hearing.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Bourne, seconded by Council Member Hart, and carried 4-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Taylor opposed to adopted RESOLUTION 26-01-20-01 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 23-004, GRADING PLAN MODIFICATION (GPM) 23-012, HISTORICAL & CULTURAL LANDMARK SITE PLAN REVIEW (SPR) 23-002, AND TREE REMOVAL PERMIT (TRP) 23-015, PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PROJECT, AN APPROXIMATELY 48,235 SQ. FT. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER WITH A TOTAL OF 450 SEATS WHICH WOULD BE LOCATED ON THE EASTERN
PORTION OF THE CITY-OWNED HISTORIC TOWN CENTER PARK
ADDRESSED AS 31872 AND 31882 EL CAMINO REAL (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS: 124-160-11 & -12) (APPLICANT: SJC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER); and, all requests for time extensions for the subject entitlement applications and related building permit applications shall be reviewed and considered by the City Council at a duly noticed public hearing.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias, Hart, Campbell and Bourne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Taylor
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Farias, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Taylor, and carried unanimously to approve consent calendar items E1 through E12 and E14 through E16, as recommended by staff, with Council Member Taylor recused from items E12 and E16.
E1. MOTION TO READ ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY, APPROVED
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E2. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION) OF DECEMBER 2, 2025, APPROVED
E3. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 2025,
APPROVED
E4. CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2025, TO NOVEMBER 13, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (300.30)
E5. CASH AND INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED AUGUST 31, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (350.30)
E6. CASH AND INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (350.30)
E7. CASH AND INVESTMENTS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (350.30)
E8. FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED; AND PROPOSED
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CITY’S OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, APPROVED (330.20) E9. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE REVISED CANCELLING THE MEETINGS OF JULY 7, 2026, NOVEMBER 17, 2026, DECEMBER 1, 2026, AND JANUARY 5, 2027; AND THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 3, 2026,
RESCHEDULED TO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2026 (610.15)
E10. NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION STATUS REPORT, RECEIVED AND FILED (440.10)
E11. ACTION FOUND CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER SECTION 15262; AND CITY
MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ALL4, LLC FOR THE PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND ANALYSIS TO SUPPORT A CLASS 32 INFILL CATEGORICAL
EXEMPTION FOR THE PROPOSED SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM AMERICAN
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH CAMPUS PROJECT AT A NOT-TO-EXCEED COST OF $65,922, TO BE FUNDED BY THE APPLICANT (600.30) E12. ACTION FOUND CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER SECTION 15262; AND CITY
MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH HARRIS & ASSOCIATES FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PURSUANT TO CEQA FOR THE
PROPOSED FRENCH HOTEL PROJECT AT A NOT TO EXCEED COST OF $218,400, TO BE FUNDED BY THE APPLICANT (600.30)
Council Member Taylor recused himself due to proximity of his residence and his son rents from him and is employed by the applicant.
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ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias, Hart, Campbell and Bourne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
RECUSED: COUNCIL MEMBER: Taylor
E13. ACTION FOUND CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER SECTION 15061 (b)(3); DONATION FROM CITIZENS’ CLIMATE EDUCATION (SOUTH ORANGE
COUNTY) FOR A MEMORIAL TREE AND BRONZE DEDICATION PLAQUE IN MEMORY OF DR. WILLIAM BONNEY TO BE INSTALLED AT BONITA PARK, ACCEPTED (150.65)
Benjamin Siegel, City Manager, provided an agenda report. Public Comments: Larry Kramer, City resident.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Hart, seconded by Council Member Bourne, and carried unanimously to find the action categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per section 15061 (b)(3); and, accept the donation from Citizens’ Climate Education (South Orange County) for a memorial tree and bronze dedication plaque in memory of Dr. William Bonney to be installed at Bonita Park.
E14. CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ROSE PAVING, LLC FOR
ASPHALT, CRACK SEAL AND SEAL COAT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2026, AND ENDING JANUARY 31, 2027 (600.30)
E15. ACTION FOUND CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA SECTION 15601(B)(3) (COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION); AND CITY MANAGER
AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MARK THOMAS & COMPANY, INC. FOR CITYWIDE STRUCTURAL
BRIDGE INSPECTION SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRIDGE
ASSESSMENT STUDY PROJECT (CIP 26103), AT A COST OF $69,016 PLUS A 10% CONTINGENCY, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $75,918 (600.30) E16. ACTION FOUND CATEGORICALLY 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 LIMITATIONS); AND, RESOLUTION 26-01-20-02 ADOPTED ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING CITY’S INTENT TO VACATE EXCESS RIGHT OF WAY LOCATED AT 26874 OLD MISSION ROAD (FORMERLY ORTEGA HIGHWAY), EXCEPTING AND RESERVING RIGHTS
FOR EXISTING PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITIES, AND SETTING A TIME AND
PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING AND FINDING THAT THE PROPOSED
PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER SECTION 15301, CLASS 1 (EXISTING FACILITIES) AND SECTION 15305, CLASS 5 (MINOR ALTERATIONS IN LAND USE LIMITATIONS) (670.50)
Council Member Taylor recused himself due to proximity of his residence and his son rents from him and is employed by the applicant.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias, Hart, Campbell and Bourne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
RECUSED: COUNCIL MEMBER: Taylor
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:
F1a. RESOLUTION 26-01-20-03 ADOPTED FINDING THAT SAID ACTION IS
STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES, SECTION 15262; AND
INITIATING A STUDY OF A PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO AMEND LAND USE TABLE LU-3 TO ALLOW THE 18.7-ACRE DISTRITO LA
NOVIA SITE TO BE DEVELOPED WITH AN INDUSTRIAL USE, AND A
PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE SAN JUAN
MEADOWS/DISTRITO LA NOVIA PLANNED COMMUNITY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP) 09-01 TO ALLOW THE DISTRITO LA NOVIA SITE TO BE DEVELOPED WITH A 65,000 SQ. FT. BMW AUTO DEALERSHIP AND 96 FOR-SALE HOMES, REPLACING 75,100 SQ. FT. OF RETAIL SPACE, 16,000 SQ. FT. OF OFFICE AND 130 DWELLING UNITS CURRENTLY APPROVED FOR THE SITE (440.25/420.25)
Public Correspondence: Larry Kramer, City resident; Olivia Jackson, City resident; and, Cesar Covarrubias, The Kennedy Commission.
Izzak Mireles, Senor Planner, provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions. Joel Rojas, Development Services Director, responded to questions.
Roger S. Penske Jr., SoCal Penske Dealer Group, responded to questions. Public Comment: Larry Kramer, City resident.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Bourne, seconded by Mayor Campbell, and carried unanimously to adopted RESOLUTION 26-01-20-03 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA INITIATING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) 25-002 AND CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 25-005, A STUDY OF AMENDING THE
GENERAL PLAN AND THE SAN JUAN MEADOWS/DISTRITO LA NOVIA PLANNED COMMUNITY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP) 09- 01 TO ALLOW THE 18.7-ACRE DISTRITO LA NOVIA SITE TO BE DEVELOPED WITH A 65,000-SQUARE-FOOT BMW AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP AND 96 FOR-SALE HOMES TO REPLACE THE 75,100 SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL SPACE, 16,000 SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE AND 130 DWELLING UNITS
CURRENTLY APPROVED FOR THE SITE, LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST 6 1/20/2026
CORNER OF VALLE ROAD AND LA NOVIA AVENUE (APNS: 666-311-02, -03, - 04); AND, A FINDING THAT SAID ACTION IS STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PER SECTION 15262.” F2a. SELECTION OF DESIGN OPTION FOR CITY MONUMENT SIGNS (CIP 24304); AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RJM DESIGN GROUP INC. TO COMPLETE DESIGN FOR THE MEDIAN MONUMENT
SIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THE VETERANS PARK
MEMORIAL MONUMENT; AND, FINDING SAID ACTION IS CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, SECTION 15061 (B)(3) – TABLED TO FEBRUARY 3, 2026 (850.10/600.30)
Public Correspondence: Jan Siegel, Rancho Mission Viejo resident; Stan Braden, City resident.
Council Action: Moved by Mayor Campbell, seconded by Council Member Bourne, and carried 4-0 with Council Member Farias absent to table to the February 3, 2026, meeting, the selection of design option for City Monument Signs (CIP 24304); Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group Inc. to complete design for the median monument signs and construction documents for the Veterans Park Memorial Monument; and, finding said action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, section 15061 (b)(3).
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Taylor, Hart, Campbell and Bourne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias (stepped out of the dais)
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: (Please refer to Successor Agency Minutes) COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS:
H1. USE OF CITY WEBSITE, ONLINE CALENDAR AND TROLLEYS FOR MARKETING ACTIVITIES TO HELP PUBLICIZE SJC 250 EVENTS
OCCURRING IN 2026, APPROVED (620.10)
Mayor Campbell provided an agenda report.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Bourne, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Taylor, and carried unanimously to approve use of City website, online calendar and trolleys for marketing activities, including placement of magnetic, nondamaging signage to be temporary applied to trolleys to promote docent lead historical tours; a link to the SJC 250 website on the City’s homepage; and, adding upcoming free SJC 250 events that are using City sponsored trolleys and venues, such as tours and speaker’s series at the Community Center. 7 1/20/2026
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT: Benjamin Siegel, City Manager, reported traffic impacts due to the Alipaz Street Improvement Project.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business Mayor Campbell adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m. to Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. for an Executive Session, and 5:00 p.m. for the public Business Session, in the City Council Chamber at the Community Center – 25925 Camino Del Avion.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
CHRISTY JAKL, CITY CLERK
Approved: February 3, 2026
ATTEST:
___________________________
JOHN CAMPBELL, MAYOR