The City is gearing up for the 21st Annual Walk Against Drugs and 2nd Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo on Oct. 17.
Walk Against Drugs, which is a partnership between the City, Sheriff’s Department and local schools, has long played a leading role in bringing local businesses, schools, parents and youth together with law enforcement to fight against drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
More than 5,000 participants are expected to walk down La Paz Road for the 21st annual event, which is the kick-off event for National Red Ribbon Week. It includes an 8 a.m. rally at Mission Viejo High School followed by a community fair and Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
Jennifer Smart, founder of JenniRadio and co-host of “All Star Planet,” an online singing contest for kids benefiting charities, is this year’s special guest. From 2003 to 2008, Smart was the youngest nationally syndicated radio talk-show host.
The fair along the Village Green will feature music, food, game booths, crafts, inflatables and vehicle displays by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).
Orange County Supervisor Patricia Bates will host the 2nd Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo. The Expo will feature emergency preparedness booths with informative, interactive displays to teach residents how to adequately prepare for a large-scale disaster and the resources available during disaster responses. Several response vehicles will be on site, including new OCFA helicopters. Other planned activities include moulage applications to simulate injuries and CPR demonstrations for both humans and pets.
For more information, visit the City’s Web site at http://cityofmissionviejo.org/walkagainstdrugs.
