Current Issues

Electric Bike Safety in Mission Viejo

Question

In Orange County, e-bike accidents are up 500% since 2020. Particularly shocking is the fact that the number of severe accidents involving child riders doubled. There has been a start on the e-bike conversation with the sheriffs departments presentation. If elected what other steps do you think are important to follow through with Electric Bikes and the safety concerns that are connected with this issue here in the Mission Viejo.

Ken’s response

First, we should sponsor safety courses, written and ridden, where the child is issued a completion card much like a drivers license. Second, enforce strict areas that are off limits to “Anyone, any Age” riding an e-bike. Lastly, seek legislation that compels the manufacturers to install “Parental Controls” in which an App can be uploaded to a Parents phone so that if the child’s bike goes over a certain speed, it would notify the parent and allow them an opportunity to speak with their child.

Sober Living & Group Home Ordinance

Question

The City passed the Sober Living and Group Home Ordinance that goes into effect Mid-Oct 2022. The Ordinance will require sober living and recovery homes to register with the City as a part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance. If elected what other steps would we need to ensure that the safety of both the citizens of Mission Viejo and those living in Sober Living and Group Homes are protected?

Ken’s response

Safety seems to be the hot topic tonight. As far as Sober living is concerned my Faith compels me to allow any person that is seeking a second chance and desiring to improve their quality of life that they are offered that second chance. With that said Sober Living as defined right now is still an “Experiment” Like any experiment it should be tested but tested in a “Controlled Environment” that won’t jeopardize their safety or the safety of others in that community. The word “Sober” covers substance abuse (Liquor or Drugs) but what if that person who is “Self Medicating” has a type of Mental Illness or condition? Will these homes have the capability and staff to deal with the medical and physical demands of a person experiencing “Detox” but also a potential mental breakdown?   I appreciate the concept of a sober living home but given the chemistry and make up of our Mission Viejo community I’m not sure this “Experiment” by design will work without exposing the community to potentially dangerous circumstances. If the State mandates this action maybe then we can discuss very limited number of sober living homes in which the results can be vetted and documented before considering any type of broader plan.

School Security

Question

As of July 2022, there have been 314 mass shootings with 27 of them being school shootings. This summer the US Congress passed a gun control bill with bi-partisan support.  Signed into law, the bill provides 12.5 billion dollars for mental health and school security upgrades. If elected what is your vision and commitment to School Security and Safety?

Ken’s response

I truly think that we need a full time armed security officer on the premises. Not dressed in SWAT gear, but uniformed to be identifiable. Security cameras, although good, can only do so much and with the type of weaponry out there the whole event can be over in seconds. Bullying is still very prevalent today but mental-health conditions run a spectrum from isolation, poor home environment, social media influences and violence in society. It’s impossible to get it right 100% but as Parents, Educators and Neighbors in our Communities we must “at all times” watch for any signs that a person (child) may be in crisis.

Stein Mart Acquisition

Question

In 2021 the city bought Stein Mart at the cost of 11.9 million. Today, the building is still empty and is an eye sore to the community.  Stein Mart was bought behind closed door negotiations by the city with a lack of transparency leaving many citizens of Mission Viejo distrustful. If elected what your vision for the Stein Mart building and how would you win back the trust of the citizens?

Ken’s response

It has become clear to me that having a vision to renovate and modernize our Downtown area may not be a bad thing. We must be honest with ourselves that our community is changing with younger families moving in. We also have to consider our beloved vendor and shop owners, in whom the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and welcome in Mission Viejo. With that said, how do we achieve a Modern but Classic look with vibrant restaurants and shops and maybe 20-30 apartments nestled above this landscape. How do we accomplish this without a serious increase in traffic congestion and taxes? We discuss it as a community. Any attempt by our City Council to “slip one by” is not only a violation of trust but it also limits the vision to 5 members rather than the tens of thousands of residents that make up our community. First, lets agree how to define Modernization. Second, what is the purpose and objectives for this type of renovation. Establish preliminary budgets keeping in mind at all times limiting tax payer exposure and risk. lastly, establish Committee’s that will invite Professional Developers for insight but also have an open invitation to Residents in our Community who may have Design and Architectural experience.

Core Area Vision Plan

Question

In 2022 the public was notified by the city of a potential purchase of CVS for over $10 million dollars. At the final meeting and public hearing, the matter came to a vote. The city council voted 4 to 1 not to purchase CVS. Even if bought, the CVS rental agreement was good for 10 years, meaning unusable to the city for a decade.  If the city plan is to buy one building at a time and then wait for the end of the lease, it will take many years to see the final product. If elected what are your ideas for the very popular Core Area Vision Plan? How would you propose to accelerate the timeline to complete this exciting development project for Mission Viejo?

Ken’s response

The Core Vision has merit, meaning giving the Downtown area a face lift and stay relevant which will also help our Business Owners retain and attract new clientele creating a vibrant environment that represents the “Mission Brand”. The ONE thing I always stress with my Clients is “Not to put the CART before the HORSE” Unfortunately that’s what we are now dealing with. The buildings which make up CVS, Big Lots, Round Table etc… are owned by 12 entities which complicate planning. Let’s first look at each business’s contractual obligations. Obviously these time lines will not be the same but it could assist in establishing a “Phased” approach. I Disagree this project makes the “Creek” the central focus. I have been in that shopping center many times around sunset and frankly, I think that’s the energy and ambiance to capture. Let’s first start with what we can do with beautification. A reflection pool, covered canopies and exotic plants to create a cool vibe for people to grab a bite to eat or relax with a cup of coffee. Let’s revisit the building owners to find a consensus on when each building could be acquired without inflated cost to the City. This can be done!

Release of City Agendas

Question

Today there are 65,000 registered voters, but according to Robert Schlick,  Director of Community Relations, only 25,000 are registered to receive the Mission Viejo Newsletter.  Consider, how can we reach out to all residents, from the tech savvy to those without internet, 72 hours before each meeting? Keeping MV Residents informed on all city related issues is important. If elected, how would you improve the dissemination of information to all citizens of Mission Viejo more effectively? 

Ken’s response

As I’ve been Campaigning and canvasing my District 4 I’m perplexed that 8 out of 10 residents I’ve spoken to don’t even know what District they live in. This by no means is the Residents fault but a good example how our City lacks in communication. When I am elected, I would first seek to find a “Resident” of Mission Viejo who has the expertise in all Social Media Platforms. We can offer a consulting fee or even a part time contract as Communication Zar. Second, why is there a delta between the number of registered voters and the number of Residents who currently receive the Newsletter? That needs to be rectified IMMEDIATELY! The Mission Viejo Newsletter is a beautiful piece of information and could be the key to reaching “All” Residents. Let’s now be frank, some people are not interested in Social Media and prefer a quiet life style. How do we reach them? I think it’s more realistic to understand and accept that 100% of Mission Viejo will not be interested in City Affairs and that’s okay too. However, we have an OBLIGATION to give every Resident the opportunity to know what’s going on in our Community.