Walk Against Drugs

The City of Mission Viejo and Orange County Sheriff's Department will host the 36th Annual Walk Against Drugs from 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, October 19.

The event kicks off at 8 AM with a rally at Mission Viejo High School (25025 Chrisanta Drive) with former professional hockey player Emerson Etem from the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club as the keynote speaker.

After the rally, participants will walk together up La Paz Road through the Oso Creek Trail and end at the Village Green at Oso Viejo Community Park (24932 Veterans Way) for the Community Fair and South County Disaster Preparedness Expo.

The Community Fair and South County Disaster Preparedness Expo takes place from 9 AM to 12 PM and will feature a meet and greet with Etem, who is the current Audio Color Analyst for the Anaheim Ducks radio broadcast. The expo will also boast displays from various community organizations, face painting, inflatables, and food trucks. The South County Disaster Preparedness Expo will feature displays from the Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Sheriff’s Department such as the Mounted Enforcement Units, SWAT, K-9 Units, Search & Rescue, Hazardous Device Section, and Aero Bureau.

The walk is for all ages, and the first 1,500 participants will receive a free event T-shirt. 

PARKING & SHUTTLES:

Parking for the Walk Against Drugs is limited. A complimentary shuttle service will begin at 7 AM, with stops at Mission Viejo High School and Newhart Middle School. Participants are encouraged to park at Newhart Middle School early in the morning and take the shuttle to Mission Viejo High School. After the walk, a third shuttle stop will be added at the Norman P. Murray Center at approximately 9:30 AM.

ROAD CLOSURES:

All private driveways and side streets on the north side of La Paz Road, between Veterans Way and Chrisanta Drive, will be temporarily closed from approximately 6:30 AM to 9:45 AM to ensure the safety of pedestrians participating in the event.

Eastbound traffic on La Paz Road at Chrisanta Drive will be affected around 8:30 AM for 15 to 20 minutes.

Northbound traffic exiting Pradera Road at La Paz Road will be restricted to right turns only.

At the intersection of La Paz Road and Marguerite Parkway, lane and turning restrictions will be in place starting at 6:30 AM.

Westbound traffic on La Paz Road will be shifted to the left lanes and restricted to left turn lanes at Marguerite Parkway. Please follow all traffic signs at this intersection and consider alternate routes if possible.

We appreciate your cooperation in following all road closure signs, barricades, and the instructions of traffic controllers.

Stay tuned to the City's eNewsletter and social media sites for updates in the coming weeks!