City Clerk Approves Petitions to Recall Sam Allevato

The San Juan Capistrano City Clerk has approved the recall petitions seeking Councilman Sam Allevato’s ouster.

Recall supporters now have until March 7, 2014 to collect signatures from like-minded residents, according to City Clerk Maria Morris. At least 3,503 valid signatures would force the recall. The number represents 20 percent of the city's currently registered 17,511 voters.

A group called Residents for Honest Government, is trying to recall Councilman Sam Allevato before the next regularly scheduled election in November 2014. Among the reasons, they cite his vote to appeal a recent court decision which found the city’s water rate structure unconstitutional.

Allevato is the longest-standing member of the current city council. He was re-elected one year ago.