The City Council on Monday proclaimed October 5 Walk to School Day; heard a soulful sax player; and learned about the celebrities and authors who will appear at the October 1 Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival.
The presentation section of City Council meetings are designed to honor and recognize the people, places and events that make Mission Viejo special.
Monday’s meeting began with saxophonist Ricky Sims, a gifted studio musician who delighted audience members with his classic rendition of “What a Wonderful World.”
A City Council proclamation in honor of International Walk to School Day followed. The day encourages students of all ages to walk to school with their parents to enhance the health of kids, improve air quality and create environments that are more inviting for everyone, young and old. In Mission Viejo, walking is part of a healthy community.
“In the United States, the obesity rate is about 30 percent, and in California, it’s in the low 20s,” said City staffer Steve Bell. “In Mission Viejo, the obesity rate is in the low teens and we are below the state and national rate in large part because of the active culture we have developed in Mission Viejo and because some of our City’s partnerships, which include Mission Hospital.”
The final presentation of the evening set the stage for an exciting Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival on October 1. Stephanie Tanton, director of Library and Cultural Services, told the council and audience that the City secured Linda Evans at this year’s Readers’ Festival thanks to her old pal Robert Wagner. The classic actor debuted his memoir in Mission Viejo in 2009 charming fans of all ages with his zeal and ageless presence.
“Robert told Linda that ‘Mission Viejo is great and you have to go’ and that is how we got her,” Tanton said.
Evans, who is best known for her role on “Dynasty,” will discuss her new memoir, “Recipes for Life: My Memories.” The book will be released ahead of the official Oct. 11 release date – just for the City’s event. Along with Evans, the Readers’ Festival will include comic actress Molly Shannon, best known for her work on “Saturday Night Live” and several other popular authors and illustrators. The free festival, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oso Viejo Park and the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. It will feature a food court, entertainment and vendors displaying an array of literature-based products. Visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with many of their favorite authors and illustrators.
“If you have anything going on October 1, cancel your plans because this is one of the greatest things we have going on in Mission Viejo this year,” said Mayor Dave Leckness.
A complete list of appearing authors and more information is available at www.mvreadersfestival.org. To watch Monday’s City Council meeting, visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org.
