The Mission Viejo City Council meeting on October 22, 2024, highlighted significant community initiatives, including the proclamation of National Friends of Libraries Week and an update on the California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force.
During the meeting, Mayor Trish Kelly presented a proclamation recognizing October 20-26, 2024, as Friends of Libraries Week. This acknowledgment celebrated the contributions of the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library, who have raised over $3 million since the library's opening in 1997. The funds support various library programs, including summer reading initiatives and special events. Pam Smith, the president of the Friends of the Library, expressed gratitude for the community's support and presented a check for $165,000 to the library, which will be used to purchase books and enhance online services.
In a separate presentation, Council Member Bucknam provided an update on the California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force. He introduced a poignant story shared by Allen and Rose Nelson, whose son tragically lost his life due to inadequate care at a local sober living facility. This narrative underscored the critical issues surrounding the oversight of recovery homes and the need for improved regulations to protect vulnerable individuals seeking treatment. Bucknam emphasized the task force's commitment to ensuring that facilities provide the necessary care and support for those in recovery.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to support both the library and the ongoing efforts of the Sober Living and Recovery Task Force, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in addressing local challenges.