The Mission Viejo City Council meeting held on October 22, 2024, featured a range of discussions, including community acknowledgments and concerns regarding local taxation.

The meeting commenced with Mayor Trish Kelly inviting Mayor Pro Tem Bob Richey to call on speakers. The first speaker, Steve Bell, representing the Relay For Life of South Orange County, expressed gratitude to the city for its support over the years. He highlighted the event's success, noting that they raised $230,000 this year, bringing their total contributions to over $5 million since the event's inception in 1995. Bell emphasized the importance of the Relay For Life in supporting cancer survivors and caregivers, announcing plans for a special 30th-anniversary event in 2025.

Following Bell, Kathy Schlecht addressed the council, focusing on the upcoming election and expressing her concerns about the city's promotional materials. She criticized the use of cheerful images of police officers in the city's brochure, arguing that it misrepresents the reality of a significant tax increase. Schlecht contended that the materials manipulate public sentiment rather than provide factual information. She also raised concerns about the impact of the proposed tax hike on local businesses, stating that it could make hotel rates noncompetitive compared to other areas in South Orange County.

The meeting concluded with a clear divide in community sentiment, as speakers highlighted both appreciation for local events and significant concerns regarding taxation and its implications for residents and businesses. The council is expected to address these issues further as the election approaches.