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Residents urge pump track and warn against Flock surveillance cameras during Aliso Viejo public comment
Summary
Public commenters delivered mixed perspectives: supporters presented a petition with 937 signatures backing a proposed pump track and argued it would benefit youth and local businesses; others and a privacy advocate urged the council not to adopt Flock vehicle-surveillance cameras, citing security and privacy concerns.
Several members of the public used the council’s community‑input period to press for recreational infrastructure and to raise concerns about vehicle surveillance technology.
Cable Shaw, who has been collecting community input for a proposed pump track, told the council an online petition reached 937 total signatures as of that afternoon, including 258 Aliso Viejo residents. Shaw described endorsements from local leaders and organizations and said pump tracks attract visitors who spend money in nearby restaurants and shops. "This project represents more than just a recreational feature... it's an investment in community health, youth engagement, and local economic activity," Shaw said.
Thomas Pfeffer, a 26-year resident, said he initially hesitated but after research became a supporter of the pump track and offered community help exploring siting and design. Supporters said the pump track would serve children and adults, be an inclusive amenity, and could reduce unsafe riding in streets or sensitive areas.
Other commenters raised fiscal concerns. Marie T urged the council to prioritize school facility needs and questioned whether the city should commit to large pump-track expenditures given limited reserves, saying the city’s functional budget had a shortfall and that several other priorities remain. "We don't have a large reserve," she said, urging caution on city spending.
Separately, a resident who identified as Sebastian asked the council to oppose deployment of Flock vehicle-surveillance cameras in and around Aliso Viejo, describing public reports of vulnerabilities and instances of misuse and urging the city to avoid further use of that system.
The remarks were part of the public-comment record; the meeting did not include a council vote on a pump-track site or on surveillance technology. Council members acknowledged both the interest in recreational amenities and the need to weigh budget priorities and implementation details before moving forward on capital projects.
