Council to celebrate 20 years of Marine support, recognize local Marines and advance wildfire prevention

The City Council on Tuesday, October 13 will recognize several individuals and community partners for their contributions to Mission Viejo - including the 20th anniversary of the Mission Viejo Marines and Sailors Adoption Committee, Marine Corps honorees, and the City's ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts. The meeting will also highlight an $850,000 state grant to support vegetation management and wildfire prevention along with upcoming community preparedness and safety events.

The business portion of the meeting begins at 6 pm in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center.

The Council will recognize the Mission Viejo Marines and Sailors Adoption Committee, honoring two decades of dedicated service to local Marines, Sailors, and their families. Over the years, the Adoption Committee has worked tirelessly on countless initiatives including sending weekly care packages to deployed troops; coordinating the annual "Day at Lake Mission Viejo" for Marines and their families; distributing holiday toys to Marines' children; providing baskets of goodies to expectant families; preparing welcome baskets for entry-level Marines arriving at Camp Pendleton; and providing emergency financial assistance to Marines and their families, among many other efforts.

The Council will also present certificates of commendation to the Marine of the Quarter Lance Corporal Roman T. Mealey and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter Corporal Caiya J. Fuentes, in recognition of their accomplishments during the second quarter of 2026. For the third quarter, the Council will honor Marine of the Quarter Private First-Class Kelly M. Roa and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter Corporal Noah J. Pennington.

Supporting the City's proactive wildfire mitigation efforts, Senator Catherine Blakespear will present the City with an $850,000 grant from the State of California. The funding will support a project focused on the selective thinning and removal of invasive and non-native vegetation that can contribute to fire ladders (vegetation that allows fire to spread up from the landscape into a tree), ember spread, and increased wildfire intensity. It will also fund roughly 30 acres of goat grazing as a natural vegetation-management strategy, particularly in sensitive creek areas where traditional equipment may have limited access. The goats have already become a welcome-and much-loved-sight for Mission Viejo residents and local schools.

The Council will also receive a presentation on the 38th Annual Walk Against Drugs Community Fair & South County Disaster Preparedness Expo, which will take place on Saturday, October 17.

Meetings are streamed live on the City's website and air on Spectrum Channel 30 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the City's eNewsletter and follow the City's official social media sites for the most accurate, up-to-date information.