This year is the Year of the Youth in Aliso Viejo. The City Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution, which was the brainchild of Mayor Phil Tsunoda and one of his top 10 priorities, establishing 2010 as the Year of the Youth.

"The Youth are our future and must be equipped with all available tools and skills to assist them in their pursuits," Tsunoda said. "Our children require the best opportunities, training and instruction to help prepare them to be productive members of society ..."

The City will collaborate with its community, corporate and non-profit partners to support the City's youth, and Aliso Viejo's youth will be considered in all aspects of City operations. More than one quarter of Aliso Viejo's population of roughly 48,000 is under 18.

The designation also means that the City will place more emphasis on promoting schools to allow youth to excel academically, and youth will be assisted by the establishment of mentoring programs such as Youth in Government Day and others.

"This is a high City priority to explore and provide opportunities for sustaining, developing and planning community ideas, programs and partnerships for the betterment of our youth," Tsunoda said.

The City of Aliso Viejo, which incorporated July 1, 2001, encompasses approximately 7 square miles with nearly 48,000 residents.  The City's annual budget is roughly $30 million.  The City supports a thriving business community with companies such as Pacific Life Insurance Co.; United Parcel Service (UPS); Clarient; Valeant Pharmaceuticals; Q-Logic; Lennar Homes; Buy.Com; Fluor Daniel; Pepsi Bottling, Inc.; Shea Homes; the Renaissance ClubSport Hotel; and Bausch and Lomb. Aliso Viejo has 23 parks, vast open space and top-notch amenities including the Aliso Viejo Ranch and the City's new Conference Center and Aquatic Center. The City of Aliso Viejo welcomes you to "Experience It All."  For more information, visit www.cityofalisoviejo.com.