Thousands Expected in Walk Against Drugs Effort in Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — The city of Mission Viejo is gearing up for the annual Walk Against Drugs event on Saturday, October 15.

According to event coordinators, over 4,000 people are expected to take part in the event that begins with a rally. It will start at Mission Viejo High School and end with a fair at the Village Green.

The longtime event, a highlight of the National Red Ribbon Week, serves to bring together city leaders, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, schools, businesses, community groups and residents to celebrate living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

"Participants will begin at the high school where U.S. Navy veteran and Purple Heart recipient Redmond Ramos will speak about his triumphs after losing his leg while serving our country," Mission Viejo Spokesperson Kelli Tokarski said. "Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens will be on hand to introduce the inspirational military veteran."

Those walking are encouraged to arrive to the rally site at 25025 Chrisanta Drive by 7:30 a.m.

"Grab their T-shirts and a seat," Tokarski said. "Free shuttle buses will run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Newhart Middle School to the rally where parking is also available."

Westbound La Paz Road between Marguerite Parkway and Chrisanta Drive will be closed from about 6:30 a.m. until around 9:30 a.m. to ensure the safety of participants.

From the high school, participants sporting red T-shirts will walk two miles along eastbound La Paz Road to the Oso Creek Trail and to the fair at the Village Green near the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. The fair will feature 1,500 free hot dogs – which the Rotary Club will toss to the crowd – entertainment, activity booths hosted by nonprofit groups and fundraising by local schools.

Rita’s Italian Ice and Ruby’s Diner will serve up free samples and fairgoers will have the chance to cast their votes in the OC Health Care Agency’s Battle of the Banners contest. Students and staff can also support their individual schools by checking in at the sign-in booth at the fair site, and the Mission Viejo school with the most attendance will win a 2016 champion banner to display on campus.

The annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo will include displays by the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Authority and other first-responder agencies educating the public on how to prepare for and respond to an emergency or disaster.

For more information, visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org/policeservices.