City Clerk

Mark your calendar for a spectacular afternoon and holiday music extravaganza with the Master Chorale of Saddleback Valley on December 16.

This enchanting afternoon begins at 3 p.m. under the direction of the talented Charles Stephenson and includes traditional carols blended with some beautiful new pieces by contemporary composers, a sing-along of old favorites as well as some jolly songs of winter play.  

Along with fun music, patrons will savor hot-spiced cider, cookies and snacks (and perhaps a visit from a famous toymaker).

If you plan on shopping at the Coast Vintage Market this Sunday, consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to benefit others during the holidays.

Santa Claus is gearing up for the YMCA Aquatics Team's free community CPR class on December 21.

The course, which takes place from 10-11:30 a.m., is designed to teach people life-saving skills in an emergency. Adults and kids alike are encouraged to take part in this hands-on course that will feature photo opportunities with Santa. Folks will also enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.

If you're looking to be entertained, don't miss Mission Viejo High School's hysterical musical production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" December 6-8.

The Mission Viejo Life Winter newsletter is now online, offering a cornucopia of classes, programs and special events that span the next few months. 

Inside the pages, you will find a host of events including Santa's Arrival & Celebration on November 25; Visits with Santa starting November 30; the Holly Jolly Light Tour rolling out December 7; and Oso Fit Health Fair on February 23.

Mission Viejo voters re-elected Council Members Ed Sachs, Greg Raths and Wendy Bucknum to office, according to the "unofficial" election results from the Registrar of Voters.

The Council Members will take the Oath of Office on December 11 to serve two-year terms. All five Mission Viejo City Council seats will be up for re-election in November 2020. During the December 11 meeting, the Council will select a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for 2019. Ed Sachs has served as Mayor and Greg Raths as Mayor Pro Tem this year. 

The annual Light Up a Life tree lighting celebration is set for Sunday, December 2 to honor and remember friends, loved ones and caregivers while supporting Mission Hospital. 

The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. in the Mission Conference Center at 26726 Crown Valley Parkway. 

Pay homage to your loved one by placing a special ornament on the tree and enjoy an uplifting program with seasonal harp music and refreshments. Your generous gift enhances palliative care services and provides hospice support to those in need. 

To demonstrate unity and solidarity, a candlelight vigil will be held in Mission Viejo at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 4.
 
The one-hour ceremony along the Village Green next to the Norman P. Murray Community Center follows the massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue and vandalism at an Irvine synagogue. 
 

Mission Viejo Veterans of the Year Gilbert Calderon Castro and Carlia Oldfather will be recognized with local veterans during the City's annual Veterans Day celebration at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 11 at the Norman P. Murray Community Center.

The public ceremony includes comments by Colonel Chris Griffin, commanding officer of the Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division, and retired Sergeant Juan Valdez along with a color guard, rifle salute and taps. The event also features a vocal performance by Staff Sergeant Rachel Bartlett Walters. 

Gilbert Calderon Castro and Carlia Oldfather will be honored as Mission Viejo's Veterans of the Year on Sunday, November 11 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.