The Moulton Niguel Water District, in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, California Native Plant Society, and more than a dozen local water agencies, is excited to announce the launch of the Calscape Nursery Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative to help increase the availability of and information on California native plants. 

Please see the Press Release dated October 14, 2019:

New Pilot Program Helps Southern California Grow Native
Water agencies help increase availability of, information on California native plants
 
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and local water agencies have teamed up with the California Native Plant Society to bring more native plants to the region’s homes and gardens.
 
A new pilot program launched by the organizations this fall will boost the number and variety of native plants offered at local nurseries and ensure consumers have the information they need to plant and maintain the water-efficient flowers, trees, shrubs and succulents.
 
“Southern California residents have made tremendous strides to increase their long-term water efficiency to respond to our changing climate, including choosing sustainable gardens over thirsty grass,” said Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger. “But they sometimes face hurdles finding native plants in their local nurseries and knowing about how to take care of them, including how much less water they need. This program will help remove those hurdles.” 
 
Through the pilot, staff at participating nurseries will receive training on the proper care, maintenance, watering and planting of California native plants. In addition, native plants at the nurseries will be clearly identified and educational materials will be available for consumers to take home.
 
“We want to make it as simple as possible for Californians who are committed to sustainability to grow a beautiful garden of native plants. Having native plants with plant-specific information when they need it, where they need it – at the nursery – will be a big help,” said Joone Lopez, general manager of Moulton Niguel Water District, which helped initiate the program with support from WaterNow Alliance.
 
Native plants typically use about 83 percent less water, produce about 56 percent less green waste and require nearly 70 percent less maintenance, according to a nine-year case study conducted by the City of Santa Monica.
 
“Beyond these sustainability benefits, native gardens are just beautiful,” said Dan Gluesenkamp, executive director of the California Native Plant Society. “Through this program we’ve curated a really special list of plants that you’ll be able to find at local nurseries. The variety of colors, textures, smells and shapes will bring the beauty of California to your own front yard.”
 
So far, the pilot program is available to 60 nurseries in Orange County and Long Beach, and continues to gain interest from surrounding communities. In addition to free staff training – which qualifies for continuing education and professional certification credits – the nurseries will be part of a native plant directory at Calscape.org marketed to millions of people.  
 
Program partners, which includes the Municipal Water District of Orange County, will monitor its success to determine whether to expand it to other communities.
 
Interest in native plants has grown significantly over the past few years. Since 2016, traffic to the Native Plant Society’s website,Calscape.org, has increased by more than 250 percent, and a 2018 survey of the American Society of Landscape Architects expects native plants to be the most requested type of outdoor project this year.
 
This interest has been driven, in part, by Metropolitan’s turf replacement program, which provides consumers up to $10,000 in rebate funding for replacing their grass with native plants.
 
People also increasingly understand the essential role native plants play in the ecosystem, attracting and helping sustain wildlife and pollinators such as bees and butterflies, whose populations are diminishing, according to the California Native Plant Society.
 
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About the Metropolitan Water District
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that delivers water to 26 member agencies serving 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.
 
About the California Native Plant Society 
The California Native Plant Society is a statewide organization that advances the understanding, appreciation, and protection of California’s native plants and habitats through science, education, horticulture, and conservation. CNPS has more than 70,000 fans and supporters, and 35 chapters promoting its mission throughout California and Baja California.
 
About the Moulton Niguel Water District
Moulton Niguel Water District, a co-sponsor and early founder of the Calscape Nursery Program, delivers high-quality drinking water, recycled water and wastewater services to customers in Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano. A leader in conservation and environmental protection, Moulton Niguel maintains the lowest average water bill in South Orange County.

On Thursday, October 10th, attendees gathered at the YTEL building in Lake Forest for our final Tri-Chamber Mixer. This mixer was hosted by the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce.

As attendees came through the front doors, they were warmly greeted by all three Chambers (Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and RSM) and kindly directed to first take a fun photo with Takata Photo & Design and then make their way to the meet n greet areas where the food, beverages, opportunity drawing prizes, and Chamber tables were located.

It was so refreshing observing the three Chambers interacting and sharing contact information to be used at a later time. The City Mayors were also on hand to support this special event, along with Board members and Ambassadors from each Chamber.

To see all the photos, follow this link: www.takatapd.com/p942096802.

We look forward to announcing our 2020 Tri-Chamber Mixers in the very near future!

The Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce warmly invites all members, their families, and the community to support and participate in the final Bocce tournament of the year.

This event, hosted by the Mission Viejo Bocce Club and supported by the City of Mission Viejo, will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019. Opening Ceremonies will begin at 7:30 a.m. with tournament play running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Network with public officials, business executives, non-profit volunteers and bocce fans.
• Watch the most talented teams from San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
• Bring a picnic and have fun with family, friends and neighbors—The event is free.
• Learn to play bocce and enjoy free lessons 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Please feel free to invite friends and associates by sharing the flyer below, which includes the tournament’s Mission Viejo location.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, The City of Mission Viejo and Orange County Sheriff's Department will be hosting our 31st Annual Walk Against Drugs and Community Fair. In conjunction with this event, the City will be hosting the 12th Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo.
 
8 am / Rally at Mission Viejo High School (25025 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo)
9 am / Community Fair & South County Disaster Preparedness Expo at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center (24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo)

Kick off the event by attending the rally at M.V.H.S. Stadium. Walk down La Paz Road through the Oso Creek Trail to the Community Fair and Disaster Preparedness Expo. Enjoy interactive community booths, resources, educational displays, food for purchase, entertainment and games for all ages! Admission is free of charge.

For more information, please call 949-470-8433 or email to crimeprevention@cityofmissionviejo.org. 

The Shops at Mission Viejo is partnering with Mission Hospital and Valiant Women to host the 17th annual Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor, giving the community the chance to contribute to the wall and honor breast cancer survivors and patients.

The Wall of Honor is open through Thursday, October 31st in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the past 17 years, The Shops at Mission Viejo and its partners have raised more than $849,000 for Mission Hospital through the Wall of Honor. Last year alone, more than $60,000 was raised through generous donations from the community.  

All donations will go toward breast cancer diagnosis, screening and treatment for women in the community who are uninsured. All donations are accepted and merchandise like T-shirts and scarves can be purchased in support of the cause. A series of events will be held at the center throughout the month with proceeds going directly to the hospital.

Along with the Wall of Honor, you can support the cause by getting your car’s brakes worked on at Larry’s Independent Service at 25721 Taladro Circle, Unit A, as part of the annual Brakes for Breasts fundraiser. Through October 31, get free brake pads or brake shoes when your car receives complete brake service. The business will donate 10 percent of proceeds to benefit research for a breast cancer vaccine.

​To make a direct donation, visit www.brakesforbreasts.com.

Are you seeking a new feline friend who likes to snuggle? Perhaps it’s a charming chestnut tabby with golden eyes or a perfectly marked tuxedo cat that’s calling your name? Whatever your feline fancy, head to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center for a special two-week promotion on adult cats.

​Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) is offering reduced adoption fees for any approved applicant.  You will pay only $20 for an adult cat’s microchip to start your new life together. Stop by to meet our chatty chestnut tabby, snuggle bug Persian kitty or gorgeous tuxedo girl.

Don’t delay as this adoption event ends October 13th. See the available animals at https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/animal-services/adopt/find-pet or call 949-470-3045 for more information. 

An amazing choral ensemble that has performed at the White House three times will evoke joy in Mission Viejo when it hits the stage at Mount of Olives Church on Sunday, October 27.
The program begins at 4 pm at 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
Since forming in 1995, the Gary Bonner Singers have been known for their musical excellence and versatility; contagious, sparkling performance; and warm, vibrant choral tone.  They have completed 21 recordings, including three that were produced and distributed by Word Music, four commissioned albums, five Christmas albums, a spirituals collection in Spain and sacred classics collection recorded in Prague with the City of Prague Philharmonic orchestra.
After being selected from a huge number of applicants across the United States, the Singers had the honor of performing at the White House Holiday Open House in 2006, 2008 and 2011.  Their list of esteemed venues goes on and on. Ranging in age from 18 to 60, the singers represent a wide diversity of backgrounds and occupations. Audiences respond enthusiastically to the 60-voice ensemble’s full range of choral music and unique style, which emphasizes communication and relationship with the audience.
Dr. Gary Bonner has what’s described as an “intangible magic” when it comes to creating choral music, a sound and experience that is related to the connection between the conductor, performers and audience – creating an elusive yet identifiable quality that makes every performance come alive.
For more information, call 949-837-7467.

If the Mission Viejo City Council votes to acquire the Casta Del Sol public golf course on October 8, more than 100 acres of open space will be preserved and the heart of the City will be connected, essentially providing the community with convenient access and a one-of-a-kind walking and biking amenity (see a map of the connectivity here).
The golf course property and open space behind it (totaling 108 acres) would provide a critical link to the Oso Creek Trail and well beyond. Residents would reap the benefits of the connection from as far south as Marguerite Parkway/Estanciero to the Civic Core (Mission Viejo Library, City Hall); Norman P. Murray Community Center, Potocki Center for the Arts, soccer fields, Marguerite Aquatics Center, YMCA, Tennis Pavilion, Casta Del Sol golf course and eventually Lake Mission Viejo. With such an extensive internal trail, people could walk or bicycle to their preferred destination without ever having to hop behind the wheel of a car.

Designed in 1970, the Casta Del Sol course has long been a significant community-oriented property with an emphasis on benefiting residents and guests as well as the entire Mission Viejo community.
Along with reducing carbon emissions from vehicle trips, the connection to the City’s trail system, open space and vast facilities would encourage a more active, healthy community through walking, biking and recreational activities that would complement the City’s longtime designation as a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) city.
The Council’s October 8 meeting starts at 5:00 pm in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center Drive.

About 4,000 people will endorse a drug-free lifestyle during Mission Viejo’s 31st Annual Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair on Saturday, October 19. 
The City, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, school districts, businesses, service groups, students and families will unite for one of the City's biggest events. 
The event starts at 8 am and kicks off Red Ribbon week with a rally at Mission Viejo High School. Deputy Aron Grumbles, an amputee who uses his passion and experience to motivate others, will address the crowd and lead them up La Paz Road through the Oso Creek Trail to the Community Fair on the Village Green at Oso Viejo Park.
“Together, we are sending the message that we care about this community and share the common goal of making healthy choices while avoiding drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping,” Deputy Grumbles said. 
The Community Fair, which ends at noon, will feature interactive community booths, educational activities, food for purchase, entertainment, games and fun for all age as well as the South County Disaster Preparedness Expo.
Information about traffic, shuttle service and road closures is available at this link:  https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/police-services/walk-against-drugs-location. 
For more information, call 949-470-8433 or email crimeprevention@cityofmissionviejo.org.

Last evening, 11 Chamber attendees, along with 3 Presenters, 2 Directors, and 2 Communications Committee members, were on hand for our first networking 101 class: "The Secrets to Business Networking Success".

This class was specifically designed to help the attendees improve their 30-second commercials, confidently and enthusiastically attend mixers and events (and work the room properly), and employ other practical tips to enhance their networking skills.

We thank David Benson, Adrien Kalfus-Diaz, and Linda Coss for their excellent efforts and expertise as they presented this helpful information. We thank Diana Moreno and Elizabeth Elsanadi for helping us with the videotaping and social media. Also, we acknowledge CEO Doug Zielasko and Directors, John Salamy and John Rodriguez, for their support of this value-added program for our members.

Lastly, we want to wholeheartedly thank our dinner sponsor, Chamber member, Flippin Pizza (Danny and Kelly you are awesome!), for providing the pizzas, salad, and delicious cookies! 

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks about new educational programs that will be presented for the benefit of our members.