Non-government Events

A blog reader commented on the shortage of Mission Viejo events on the non-government list, and the point is well taken. It is a challenge to find private sector events when a city’s government has usurped the role of entertainment provider.

City hall is fully engaged in offering “free” movies, “free” classes and “free” meals – at taxpayer expense, of course. Even when attendees pay to attend city events, the admission is often a token amount that doesn’t cover taxpayers’ cost.

Here’s a sampling of non-government events:

“Ballast: The Ceramic Art of Don Ryan,” Soka University, opening reception Jan. 20, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., no admission fee, (949) 480-4237, http://www.soka.edu/default.aspx

“Replace Your Lawn with Native Plants,” Tree of Life Nursery, Jan. 22, 10:00-11:00 a.m., 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, no charge to attend, (949) 728-0685, http://www.californianativeplants.com

Sherman Gardens Camellia Show, Jan. 22-23, 2647 East Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, 92625, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, (949) 673-2261, http://www.occamellias.org/gpage1.html

Lyon Air Museum, “Cars & Cockpits Day,” Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to noon, John Wayne Airport, vintage military aircraft and automobiles, general admission $8, seniors $6, ages 5-17 $4, under age 5 free, 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, 92707, (714) 210-4585, http://www.lyonairmuseum.org

“Meet Michael Reagan,” Richard Nixon Library, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., lecture and book signing, (714) 993.5075, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda 92886, http://events.nixonfoundation.org/category/events/month

Art Exhibit, “Preservation: New Sculptural and Mixed Media Works,” featuring David Limrite, through Jan. 31, open Wed. through Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., JoAnne Artman Gallery, 326 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 510-5481, http://www.joanneartmangallery.com

Holiday Ice Rink, through Feb. 21, outdoor skating rink, open for an extended holiday season. Call or check the website for prices. 71 Fortune Drive, (949) 748-8280, http://www.skatespectrum.com

Lewis & Clark Exhibit, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Museum Exhibit, through March 2011, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 92675, (949) 234-1315, http://www.missionsjc.com

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Jan. 21 through Feb. 20, South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 708-5555, http://www.scr.org

“Ocean Friendly Gardening,” hosted by Surfrider Foundation, Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 92675, (949) 728-0685, http://www.californianativeplants.com