Residents tell Mission Viejo council deputies didn’t check inside during heated Casa Del Sol protest; sheriff says deputies were on scene

Several Mission Viejo residents told the City Council on Aug. 26 they feared for their safety during a July 20 political event at Casa Del Sol after protesters gathered outside and deputies did not enter the meeting room.

Karen Warren, 77, said she and others called 911 multiple times and that deputies who arrived remained in the parking lot and relied on protesters’ assurances that the demonstration was peaceful. Warren said protesters used obscenities, held disturbing signs, carried bear spray and gas masks and banged on the room’s windows, causing many elderly attendees to remain inside, lock the doors and tape tablecloths over exposed windows.

June Anderson provided consistent testimony, saying deputies did not assess or enter the room and that older attendees requested escorts to their cars because protesters blocked exits and shouted within inches of people’s faces.

The council asked Captain Ivins (Sheriff’s Office) to respond. Ivins said deputies had been notified in advance, had deputies on scene roughly from 2:00 p.m. to about 4:30 p.m., and attempted to make contact with informants at the event who did not come outside. He characterized the department’s role as keeping the peace while recognizing First Amendment rights and said deputies were there to perform welfare checks and ensure safety.

Mayor and council members acknowledged the residents’ fear and asked staff and the Sheriff’s Office to review procedures, including whether gate attendants at Casa Del Sol should be consulted to improve officer awareness of in‑room concerns.

No formal disciplinary action was announced; the council requested follow‑up and additional training be considered to ensure deputies are aware of in‑room incidents when on private property events.