About Steven

A young boy sitting on a curb in front of the Barcelona Hills Elementary School, holding up a medal case and smiling. The school sign is visible in the background, surrounded by desert plants.
Three people, an adult male and two children, standing next to a sign board for a National Night Out event in Mission Viejo. The sign displays details about the event on Jeronimo Road.
Poster for the 1984 Olympic Individual Cycling Road Race featuring a cyclist, traffic cones, and a child smiling at the camera, with signs indicating La Paz and cycling directions.
A sailor talking on a ship's communication device on a gray naval vessel, wearing a navy uniform and cap with yellow lettering.
A man in a white military uniform with a cap, holding a medal in a box and a certificate of achievement from the Department of the Army, standing outdoors among palm trees.
A man in a U.S. Navy uniform on a ship's bridge, smiling and looking at the camera with the ocean in the background.
Man in a suit standing next to a sign for Wilderness Glen Park on Los Alisos Boulevard.
Smiling man in red ASOFT t-shirt, dark sunglasses, black hat, and race bib number 3737, standing outdoors on a trail or park path.
A man wearing glasses and a suit sits at a desk in front of him. Behind him is the Mission Viejo, California city seal and the phrase 'In God We Trust' on the wall.
Man standing in front of a sign that reads 'Fred L. Newhart Jr. Middle School, Capistrano Unified School District,' with desert plants around the sign.
Group of seven people standing in front of flags in a room, including police officers, children, and adults, with a desk on the left.
Two men smiling and giving thumbs up, one dressed in military uniform and the other in a suit, standing inside a large indoor space with brick walls and high ceilings.
Three men in suits standing in front of American and California flags.
Four people, including a soldier in camouflage uniform and glasses, standing outdoors with a blue sky and palm trees in the background, smiling for a photo with two young girls and a woman.
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Rooted in Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo is home for me in every sense of the word. I moved here in 1979 as a child. I attended Barcelona Hills Elementary while Newhart Elementary was being built and was part of the first student body at Newhart Elementary and the first graduating class of Newhart Middle School. I graduated from Capistrano Valley High School and later attended Saddleback College.

This is where I grew up. This is where my wife and I have raised our children. I understand the character of our neighborhoods because I have lived it for more than four decades. I care deeply about protecting what makes this city safe, strong, and family centered.

Learning Service Early

My first job was right here in Mission Viejo as a recreation assistant at Casta del Sol. I worked closely with residents who had lived through the Great Depression and served during World War II. They believed in personal responsibility, quiet sacrifice, and giving back to their community.

That experience shaped how I approach leadership. You show up. You work hard. You protect what others built before you. Stewardship matters.

Proven Public Service Experience

After earning my degree in political science from UC Irvine and my master’s degree from Cal State Fullerton, I began nearly two decades of work in legislative and constituent services. I worked for three Members of Congress, including 12 years as District Director for Congressman Gary Miller.

One of the most meaningful parts of my work was leading the coordination and execution of the Service Academy selection process for high school students in our district. I organized Service Academy Nights, coordinated review boards, and ensured a structured and fair selection process. As a result, outstanding young men and women from our community earned appointments to our nation’s military academies and went on to serve our country. I was honored to receive the Army Achievement Medal for this work and was recognized as a force multiplier for the program’s success.

Beyond that, I assisted residents navigating complex federal systems. I helped constituents with lawful permanent residency, green card processing, work authorization, and naturalization matters. I worked with veterans to ensure they received the benefits and services they earned through their service. I assisted senior citizens with Social Security claims and administrative issues so they could receive the financial benefits they were due.

This work required discretion, attention to detail, and persistence. When government systems became complicated or unresponsive, families needed someone who understood how they worked and could help move issues forward.

That experience taught me how to navigate bureaucracy efficiently, advocate effectively, and stay focused on results. Those skills matter in local government, where responsible decision making directly impacts families, small businesses, and seniors.

Military Service and Steady Leadership

I served 11 years in the United States Navy Reserve as an Intelligence Officer. In 2018, I was called to active duty and forward deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Military service reinforces discipline, accountability, teamwork, and steady decision making under pressure. Those qualities are essential when public safety and taxpayer dollars are involved. I approach challenges calmly, gather the facts, and focus on outcomes.

Serving Mission Viejo Today

In 2023, Mayor Wendy Bucknum appointed me to the Mission Viejo Community Services Commission. I was honored to serve as Chairperson in 2025.

During my time as Chair, our commission approved and recommended more than $51,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to organizations serving disabled adults, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. These are neighbors who deserve dignity and support.

We also approved and recommended a two-year contract with the Saddleback Valley Unified School District to continue the Kids Factory program, which supports working families and helps children thrive in a safe environment.

Serving on the Commission has given me direct experience reviewing programs, evaluating funding decisions, and understanding how city policies affect daily life. Good local government is practical, responsible, and focused on quality of life.

Protecting Our Community’s Parks and Open Spaces

Our parks and open spaces are part of what makes Mission Viejo special. They are places where families walk, neighbors connect, and children grow up enjoying the outdoors. Preserving these spaces while protecting surrounding neighborhoods is an important responsibility.

I have been working with city staff to stay informed on updates and ongoing efforts related to the Wilderness Glen and other open space areas. This issue matters to me because it involves both environmental stewardship and public safety. I want to fully understand the challenges, the opportunities, and the work that goes into protecting these areas.

Fuel reduction efforts and wildfire mitigation planning are critical to safeguarding the homes and businesses that border our wilderness areas. These spaces are a community asset, and responsible planning helps ensure they remain both beautiful and safe.

As a Councilmember, I will continue to prioritize thoughtful oversight, responsible funding decisions, and proactive planning to protect our parks, open spaces, and the neighborhoods that surround them.

Family and Community

My wife Kopitzee and I met more than 30 years ago while attending UC Irvine, and we have been married for 26 years. She earned her doctorate and works in health care here in Orange County. We have two children enrolled in our local public schools.

We live here. We work here. Our children are growing up here. The decisions made at City Hall affect our family just like they affect yours.

Why I Am Running

Service has always been at the center of my life. Whether helping families navigate federal agencies, serving in uniform, supporting local programs, or working to protect our community spaces, my focus has remained consistent: show up, do the work, and deliver results.

I am running for Mission Viejo City Council because I want to bring experience, steadiness, and accountability to the decisions that shape our city’s future. I would be honored to earn your support.

Experience