Council receives Airport Fire updates and proclaims September as Hunger Action and Children’s Emotional Wellness Month

The City Council on Tuesday received an update on the Airport Fire by Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Cheyne Maule, and Emergency Operations Manager Paul Catsimanes and Animal Services Supervisor Brynn Lavison detailed the City's efforts, response and public outreach.

In declaring September as Hunger Action Month, Mayor Trish Kelley presented a proclamation to Linda Lewis, a, Second Harvest Food Bank ambassador. More than 330,000 people in Orange County are food insecure including more than 85,000 children, and the City of Mission Viejo is committed to taking steps to combat hunger in every part of our community and to provide additional resources for those in need.

The Council also proclaimed September as Children's Emotional Wellness Month to bring attention to the importance of children's emotional well-being and help lessen mental health challenges later in life. Amy Betonte of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation spoke about the importance of addressing this issue.

In the final presentation of the evening, Niall Barrett and Logan Selleck from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provided an update on the I-5 project.

Council Members also approved plans and specifications and authorized staff to advertise bids for the LOS OSOS project Phase I. At the October 24 meeting, the Council unanimously approved the GO FORWARD plan, and approved proposals for the construction plans and contract documents in December. Phase I will encompass the construction of the parking lot and North Paseo event area including seating areas as well as the addition of a small building for community and food uses and restrooms, a plaza space, shade structures, lighting, landscape and irrigation.

The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings are streamed live on the City's website and air on Cox 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.