Mission Viejo

Ryan and Grant Karn of Boy Scout Troop 918 are leaders. Indeed, there’s no doubt about that, and they proved their leadership skills when they gathered 35 volunteers for separate but similar planting projects at a Mission Viejo park.

The teens spent a recent Saturday beautifying Barbadanes Park near Felipe by planting 1,600 one-gallon drought-tolerant plants.

Businesses seeking to hang temporary banners advertising their services and events can now do so without paying a $60 City permit fee, under a plan the City Council recently approved.

As part of an ongoing effort to support local businesses in the community, the City Council approved a 2-year fee waiver for all temporary banner permits. Applicants must still obtain a permit from City Hall but it’s now free.  All other rules still apply, including the 24-square-foot size requirement and 42-day maximum period.

Summertime is perfect for enjoying fun in the sun, but it’s also a time when we need to take precautions to avoid heat-related emergencies.

As part of an ongoing effort to educate residents in emergency preparedness, the City of Mission Viejo is offering detailed information through the Emergency Survival Program (ESP).  This guide features monthly topics, historical information and what you can do now to prepare. July’s focus is on heat-wave emergencies.

While City Hall prepares for the Tuesday, July 4th Independence Day holiday, the public should be aware of closures at some Mission Viejo facilities.

City Hall and the Mission Viejo Library will be closed on Tuesday, but reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday.

The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center will be closed on Tuesday.  The center reopens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Cristianitos Fire at Camp Pendleton continues to burn at 700 acres and 10% containment, with fire crews from Camp Pendleton, the Orange County Fire Authority, and other agencies currently battling the blaze.
 
At this time, positive progress is being made at preventing the fire from advancing further into San Clemente.  Approximately 20 homes were threatened by the fire, but no evacuations have been ordered.

It's been said that one person can make a difference. Trent Eliason and Kyle Hampson know this is true. The two scouts recently completed separate – but similar – City projects that have put them in line to receive the Eagle Scout ranking, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Trent of Troop 736 organized about 35 volunteers to plant several hundred plants and five 15-gallon native California pepper trees along the Oso Creek Trail near the Village Green.

In an effort to enhance local public transportation, the City of Mission Viejo is inviting residents, stakeholders and businesses to take part in two community workshops in July.

The workshops will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 7 and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 8 at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

If you have a passion for fun and a penchant for giving back, consider volunteering during the City’s annual Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park event on Saturday, July 22.

Boasting a “Superhero” theme this year, the popular event is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green and neighboring community center, 24932 Veterans Way.

Mark your calendar for the “Boots, Beer and Barbecue” bash on Sunday, July 16 that will benefit members of the City’s adopted Headquarters Battalion of the First Marine Division.

Hosted by the Mission Viejo Marines and Sailors Adoption Committee, the event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center at 24932 Veterans Way.

Guests will enjoy a barbecue buffet by Outback Steakhouse, kicking their boots up to tunes from a live DJ, Line Dance lessons and camaraderie.

The play is the thing!  Back by popular demand, Shakespeare by the Sea returns to Saddleback College to perform two ageless works, “Macbeth” on July 15 and “The Taming of the Shrew” on July 16.

Proudly presented by the City of Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo Friends of the Arts, and the Saddleback College Department of Theatre Arts as a part of their Summer of Theater, both plays start each night at 7:30 p.m., with festival seating beginning at 6 p.m. on the Upper Campus Quad.