MISSION VIEJO : Volunteers Sought for 7 City Panels

City officials are seeking volunteers to fill positions on seven committees.

The committees were established to support the Mission Viejo Community Services Commission and cover a wide range of social and cultural issues.

The groups will develop policies and research and work out solutions to needs for the arts, senior citizens and other city programs.

The committees on which there are openings are:

* Recreation Centers Committee, which will be charged with developing plans for running the newly acquired chain of four recreation facilities.

* Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, which promotes awareness of anti-drug programs in the city.

* Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Committee, which will develop policies for the city’s parks and recreation facilities. One major project in the group’s future will be overseeing the development of Youth Athletic Park.

* Teen Committee, which will review the needs of Mission Viejo youth. The group will recommend potential sites for a teen center.

* Cultural Arts Committee, which will assess cultural arts needs in Mission Viejo.

* Historical Heritage Committee, whose members research the history of Mission Viejo and plan ways to pass along the city’s heritage to its citizens.

* Senior Citizens Activities Committee, which will oversee use of senior facilities in Mission Viejo and plan major events for the elderly.

Citizens can apply for a position by contacting the Parks and Community Services Department at City Hall, 26522 La Alameda, or calling (714) 348-2061.