To beekeep or not to beekeep? That was the question posed recently to the City Council in Mission Viejo, California. An ordinance to allow and regulate residential beekeeping within city limits failed to pass after citizens and councilmembers expressed concerns about public safety at a May 11 meeting. “We’ve heard a pretty big outcry against this ordinance, and I feel we owe it to our residents to back them up,” Mayor Trish Kelley said. “I’m looking out for the health and safety of our Mission Viejo families and residents.” Before the motion failed on a 4-1 vote, the council considered several arguments in favor of residential beekeeping that cited benefits to the community and the environment. But public opinion weighed in on the dangers the bees presented to citizens, especially children, ultimately swaying the decision. ‘A Safer Environment’ Bee activist Maya Cappellino, a high school student from Ladera Ranch, pleaded …