Program Information The City of San Juan Capistrano is a unique community grounded in a history of native American culture, the Mission established by Franciscan missionaries in 1776, and an agrarian past. The City was officially incorporated in 1961 and has a current population of 34,593. A council-manager form of government, with five elected council members elected citywide, direct the City operations and municipal services. The City of San Juan Capistrano employs approximately 95 full-time employees.