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Residents urge action on fireworks, lighting, rolling coal and sidewalks during Mission Viejo public comments
Summary
At the June 8 council meeting residents raised concerns about illegal fireworks at Cordova Park, bird collisions from nighttime lighting and a 'Lights Out' program, alleged inconsistent enforcement of 'rolling coal' incidents, and asked whether sidewalks at La Paz and Marguerite are scheduled for construction; staff responded to the sidewalk and fireworks questions.
During public comment at the Mission Viejo City Council meeting on June 8, residents raised several community concerns and thanked the city for public-safety support at recent events.
Michael Rodger described the practice known as "rolling coal," which involves modifying diesel engines to emit thick exhaust plumes. He said such devices can increase emissions "sometimes 40 to 100 times compared to a standard vehicle" and questioned apparent enforcement inconsistency after a recent rally where an alleged rolling-coal driver reportedly received only a warning while a colleague received a ticket for briefly stopping to unload.
Gene Derry asked the city to address recurring illegal fireworks at Cordova Park around July 4, citing safety risks and a recent national news example of a child killed by fireworks. He suggested posting fire-department presence during Fourth of July evenings; the mayor asked Derry to leave contact information so staff and the sheriff could follow up.
Cara (Cara/Cara) Blick of the Audubon Conservation Committee urged the council to adopt an Audubon "Lights Out" program to reduce bird collisions. She recommended turning off exterior lights between 11 PM and 6 AM, dimming interior lights, using blinds and motion sensors, and encouraging the practices among businesses, schools and residents. She cited a multi-institution study estimating large numbers of bird deaths from building collisions.
Carolyn Gatto thanked the city for police presence at a recent rally and asked whether sidewalks at the La Paz and Marguerite intersection would be torn up; Public Works (Jerry) responded that there are no current plans to remove sidewalks there and that repaving would be scheduled at night if it proceeds.
Captain Evans from the sheriff's office advised residents to call the nonemergency line when they see illegal fireworks and to provide a precise launch location when possible so officers can respond; he emphasized 911 is not the correct line for non-emergency fireworks complaints.
Other public commenters praised community events such as the local LGBTQ fair and asked for clarity about the city—s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts; a separate commenter requested a financial accounting for past ULI/vision-plan work.
Council and staff acknowledged the public's concerns and indicated follow-up where appropriate.
