Mission Viejo Sunset Showdown, OC Beats East Coast, Resident Says

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Orange County's sunsets over the Pacific Ocean captivate people the world over. During the coronavirus pandemic, resident Michael Dietrich decided to turn his hobby of photographing Mission Viejo sunsets into a game with family across the country.

"My cousins on the East Coast and I do a contest every week to see who can get the best sunset picture," he told Patch.

They call the game "sunset wars."

Dietrich lives in older Mission Viejo, he says, but he loves his backyard deck, off of his swimming pool.

His family has furnished the outdoor space in comfy chairs, outdoor couches, and a fire pit to keep them warm on those chilly Orange County nights.

If you look the other way, Saddleback Mountain rises in purple majesty in a glorious sunrise.

"We are fortunate to have an awesome view," he says, from every direction.

Want to play Sunset Showdown?

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