City Council approves effort to help residents and businesses and more

The City Council Tuesday approved a move to help residents and businesses with continuing and obtaining fire and casual property insurance as well as an agreement with Pacific Symphony for more performances, among other business.

With the difficulties some residents and businesses throughout the State have recently experienced in continuing and obtaining new fire and casualty property insurance, Council Members unanimously approved asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a State of Emergency and commence with short- and long-term measures to respond to the situation.

The Council awarded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the new fiscal year to increase the number of Pacific Symphony performances in the City. This includes a Symphony in the Cities concert next year; three Symphony on the Go performances as well as two Music and Wellness performances, Storyteller for Children concerts, and additional site-specific concerts.

During Tuesday's meeting, Mayor Trish Kelley presented a proclamation recognizing Wildfire Awareness and Prevention Season to OCFA Division Chief Cheyne Maule, who provided safety messages for residents. More than 25 percent of California's population lives in high fire-risk areas, and everyone plays a key role in preventing destructive wildfires.

In addition, Mayor Kelley recognized two Mission Viejo Girls Softball teams - the 10U Silver Mayhem team for taking first place at the USA Softball Regional Tournament and the 14U Gold Adrenaline team for winning first place at the USA Softball SoCal State Tournament.

Mayor Kelley closed the meeting in honor of former resident Carolyn Schuler Jones, who passed away on July 22. Carolyn was a two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner in swimming at the 1960 Summer Games in Rome and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1989. You can read more about her accomplishments which are featured on a plaque on permanent display at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park.

The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the Council Chamber. 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.