SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The city is considering patrolling an open space near La Novia Avenue and Camino Las Ramblas to catch people using motorcycles, all-terrain cycles and four-wheel-drive trucks in a grassland area that is home to deer and used by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Off-road vehicles at the 1,400-acre open space have been a growing problem in the city since 1997, said Tony Foster, a city engineer who oversees trails.

The city is planning to take action soon to prevent destruction of the trails and property and disturbance of others using the area, Foster said.