Aliso Viejo, California
Encyclopedia
Aliso Viejo is a city in Orange County, California
. It had a population of 47,823 as of the 2010 census, up from 40,166 as of the 2000 census. It became Orange County's 34th city on July 1, 2001, the only city in the county to incorporate since 2000. It is bordered by the cities of Laguna Beach
on the west and southwest, Laguna Hills
on the east, Laguna Niguel
on the southeast, and Laguna Woods
on the north.
, the co-founder and president of the Committee, became the new city's first mayor
.
The original city council consisted of Carmen Vali-Cave, Cynthia Pickett
, Bill Phillips, Karl Warkomski
, and Greg Ficke. The council selected Vali-Cave to serve as the city's first mayor, and Pickett as the city's first mayor pro tem. Vali-Cave and Pickett served as the mayor and mayor pro tem from 2001 to 2002. In 2003, Pickett became mayor with Phillips as mayor pro tem.
In 2004, City Councilmen Karl Warkomski, Bill Phillips, and Greg Ficke faced re-election. All three candidates were re-elected for four more years on council. Other candidates included Todd Gillespie and Don Garcia. In 2004, Phillips served as the city's mayor with Warkomski as mayor pro tem. In 2005, Warkomski served as mayor with Carmen Vali-Cave as mayor pro tem. In 2006, Vali-Cave served as mayor with Cynthia Pickett-Adams as mayor pro tem. In November 2006, Carmen Vali-Cave and Cynthia Pickett-Adams were re-elected to four-year terms.
In January 2007, Adams again assumed office as the city's mayor with Vali-Cave, again, as the city's mayor pro tem. In February 2007, Councilman Warkomski resigned from office unexpectedly and the council appointed Don Garcia to his position. In March 2007, Phillip Tsunoda
was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Cynthia Adams. Vali-Cave was made mayor and Bill Phillips mayor pro tem after Adams' departure. In 2008, Bill Phillips assumed office as mayor with Don Garcia serving as mayor pro tem. Don Garcia became the mayor in 2009 with Phillip Tsunoda as mayor pro tem.
. Day-to-day operations are handled by a professional city manager
overseen by a volunteer city council.
The City Council of Aliso Viejo consists of five members serving staggered four-year terms. Each year, the Council votes for its next Mayor
and Mayor pro tem
.
The Seal of the City of Aliso Viejo was adopted in 2001 at incorporation. The seal features several mountains, a boat, a tree, and several buildings. Also, the seal features the slogan "Since 2001", in celebration of the city's incorporation date.
of Orange County. According to the Censis Bureau
, the city has a total area of 7.5 square miles (19.4 km²), all of which is land. Aliso Viejo is one of several cities bordering Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. Aliso Creek forms part of the city's boundary with Laguna Niguel
to the south, and Wood Canyon Creek
forms part of the city's western boundary. Much of the city rests on the east slope of the San Joaquin Hills
, which are a coastal mountain range extending for about 15 miles (24.1 km) along the Pacific coast.
was 6,400.4 people per square mile (2,471.2/km²). The racial makeup of Aliso Viejo was 34,437 (72.0%) White, 967 (2.0%) African American, 151 (0.3%) Native American, 6,996 (14.6%) Asian, 89 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 2,446 (5.1%) from other races
, and 2,737 (5.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8,164 persons (17.1%).
The Census reported that 47,354 people (99.0% of the population) lived in households, 450 (0.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 19 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 18,204 households, out of which 7,095 (39.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,358 (51.4%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 1,966 (10.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 791 (4.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 987 (5.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 206 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,416 households (24.3%) were made up of individuals and 638 (3.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60. There were 12,115 families
(66.6% of all households); the average family size was 3.16.
The population was spread out with 12,395 people (25.9%) under the age of 18, 3,739 people (7.8%) aged 18 to 24, 17,138 people (35.8%) aged 25 to 44, 12,003 people (25.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,548 people (5.3%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.1 years. For every 100 females there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.
There were 18,867 housing units at an average density of 2,525.1 per square mile (974.9/km²), of which 11,049 (60.7%) were owner-occupied, and 7,155 (39.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.6%. 29,819 people (62.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 17,535 people (36.7%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 40,166 people, 16,147 households, and 10,689 families residing in what was, at the time, a Census Designated Place (CDP). The population density
was 3,927.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,516.0/km²). There were 16,608 housing units at an average density of 1,624.0 per square mile (626.8/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 78.16% White
, 10.99% Asian
, 2.06% Black
or African American
, 0.39% Native American
, 0.22% Pacific Islander
, 3.51% from other races
, and 4.66% from two or more races. 11.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
of any race.
There were 16,147 households out of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples
living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.01.
The population was distributed with 26.1% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 48.8% from 25 to 44, 16.3% from 45 to 64, and 3.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.
According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the CDP was $92,280, and the median income for a family was $99,853. Males had a median income of $61,316 versus $44,190 for females. The per capita income
for the CDP was $35,244. About 2.3% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.
Aliso Viejo is located in the 33rd Senate
District, represented by Republican
Dick Ackerman
, and in the 70th and 73rd Assembly
Districts, represented by Republicans Don Wagner and Diane Harkey
respectively. Federally, Aliso Viejo is located in California's 48th congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of R +8 and is represented by Republican John Campbell.
are an American Basketball Association
(ABA) expansion team starting in November 2007. They will play their home games at Aliso Niguel High School.
cups in 2004 after hearing that "dihydrogen monoxide
" was used in their production, neglecting the fact that this substance is actually plain water. A paralegal working for the city found the dhmo.org website
and subsequently proposed the ban.
. On November 17, 2006, the family of the two victims sued Freund's parents for "wrongful death and emotional distress."
, Aliso Viejo's high school, gained widespread media attention when he banned all school dances until further notice. Salter came under fire for his decision. His decision was based on the school's "Welcome Back Dance", at which several students arrived intoxicated, while others engaged in "freak dancing", which Salter views as inappropriate at a school dance. At the end of the month, Salter stood his ground and cancelled the school's annual Homecoming
Dance, which gained both Salter and the school notoriety. A story on the school was featured on the national television program, Geraldo at Large
and the BBC
also covered the dance ban. In late November, it was announced that the dances would return to the school, but under new rules that banned "freak dancing."
with ambulance service by Doctor's Ambulance
. Law enforcement is provided by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
, which includes these schools:
Elementary
Middle school
High school
Aliso Viejo also has private schools, including VanDamme Academy, St. Mary and All Angels School, Aliso Viejo Christian School, and a university, Soka University of America
.
Orange County, California
Orange County is a county in the U.S. state of California. Its county seat is Santa Ana. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,010,232, up from 2,846,293 at the 2000 census, making it the third most populous county in California, behind Los Angeles County and San Diego County...
. It had a population of 47,823 as of the 2010 census, up from 40,166 as of the 2000 census. It became Orange County's 34th city on July 1, 2001, the only city in the county to incorporate since 2000. It is bordered by the cities of Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city and artist community located in southern Orange County, California, United States, approximately southwest of the county seat of Santa Ana...
on the west and southwest, Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills, California
Laguna Hills is a city located in southern Orange County, California, United States. Its name refers to its proximity to Laguna Canyon and the much older Laguna Beach. Other newer cities nearby—Laguna Niguel and Laguna Woods—are similarly named.-Geography:...
on the east, Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel, California
Laguna Niguel is an affluent city located in southern Orange County, California. The name "Laguna Niguel" is derived from the Spanish word "Laguna" which means lagoon, and the word "Nigueli" which was the name of a Juaneño Indian village that was once located on Aliso Creek. The population was...
on the southeast, and Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 16,192 at the 2010 census, down from 16,507 at the 2000 census with a median age of 78. About 90% of the city consists of Laguna Woods Village, a retirement community, formerly known as Leisure World...
on the north.
History
Aliso Viejo had been an unincorporated community since around 1990, and incorporated as a city in 2001 due to the efforts of the Aliso Viejo Cityhood 2000 Committee, which was responsible for introducing an initiative on the ballot for the 2001 special election. Voters passed the initiative with 93.3% in favor of incorporation. Carmen Vali-CaveCarmen Vali-Cave
Carmen Louise Vali-Cave was the first Mayor of Aliso Viejo, California. During times in her career she has also been known as Carmen Vali and Carmen L. Vali. She is now a councilwoman.-City Council:...
, the co-founder and president of the Committee, became the new city's first mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
.
The original city council consisted of Carmen Vali-Cave, Cynthia Pickett
Cynthia Adams
Cynthia Pickett-Adams, also known as Cynthia D. Adams is a former city councilmember for the City of Aliso Viejo, California. First elected to the city council upon the city's incorporation in 2001, Adams served as the city's first Mayor Pro Tem from 2001 to 2002 and again in 2006, and she was...
, Bill Phillips, Karl Warkomski
Karl Warkomski
Karl P. Warkomski is a former city council member for Aliso Viejo, California and a member of the Green Party.-Career:...
, and Greg Ficke. The council selected Vali-Cave to serve as the city's first mayor, and Pickett as the city's first mayor pro tem. Vali-Cave and Pickett served as the mayor and mayor pro tem from 2001 to 2002. In 2003, Pickett became mayor with Phillips as mayor pro tem.
In 2004, City Councilmen Karl Warkomski, Bill Phillips, and Greg Ficke faced re-election. All three candidates were re-elected for four more years on council. Other candidates included Todd Gillespie and Don Garcia. In 2004, Phillips served as the city's mayor with Warkomski as mayor pro tem. In 2005, Warkomski served as mayor with Carmen Vali-Cave as mayor pro tem. In 2006, Vali-Cave served as mayor with Cynthia Pickett-Adams as mayor pro tem. In November 2006, Carmen Vali-Cave and Cynthia Pickett-Adams were re-elected to four-year terms.
In January 2007, Adams again assumed office as the city's mayor with Vali-Cave, again, as the city's mayor pro tem. In February 2007, Councilman Warkomski resigned from office unexpectedly and the council appointed Don Garcia to his position. In March 2007, Phillip Tsunoda
Phillip Tsunoda
Phillip B. Tsunoda is a city council member in Aliso Viejo, California. Phillip was elected to serve as Mayor for 2010 and has served on the City Council since appointed in May, 2007. Phillip’s term comes up in December 2010...
was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Cynthia Adams. Vali-Cave was made mayor and Bill Phillips mayor pro tem after Adams' departure. In 2008, Bill Phillips assumed office as mayor with Don Garcia serving as mayor pro tem. Don Garcia became the mayor in 2009 with Phillip Tsunoda as mayor pro tem.
Government
Aliso Viejo is a general law city with a council-manager system of governmentCouncil-manager government
The council–manager government form is one of two predominant forms of municipal government in the United States; the other common form of local government is the mayor-council government form, which characteristically occurs in large cities...
. Day-to-day operations are handled by a professional city manager
City manager
A city manager is an official appointed as the administrative manager of a city, in a council-manager form of city government. Local officials serving in this position are sometimes referred to as the chief executive officer or chief administrative officer in some municipalities...
overseen by a volunteer city council.
The City Council of Aliso Viejo consists of five members serving staggered four-year terms. Each year, the Council votes for its next Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
and Mayor pro tem
Acting Mayor
Acting mayor is a temporary office created by the charter of some municipal governments.-History:In many cities and towns, the charter or some similar fundamental document provides that in the event of the death, resignation, or removal from office of the mayor, another official will lead the...
.
The Seal of the City of Aliso Viejo was adopted in 2001 at incorporation. The seal features several mountains, a boat, a tree, and several buildings. Also, the seal features the slogan "Since 2001", in celebration of the city's incorporation date.
Geography
Aliso Viejo is located at 33°34′30"N 117°43′32"W (33.575096, -117.725431) in the San Joaquin HillsSan Joaquin Hills
The San Joaquin Hills are a set of low hills in coastal Orange County, California. They extend in a northwest-southeast direction, starting in the northwest in Newport Beach at the southern edge of the Los Angeles Basin, and extending southeast to San Juan Capistrano.-Geography and habitats:Named...
of Orange County. According to the Censis Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 7.5 square miles (19.4 km²), all of which is land. Aliso Viejo is one of several cities bordering Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. Aliso Creek forms part of the city's boundary with Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel, California
Laguna Niguel is an affluent city located in southern Orange County, California. The name "Laguna Niguel" is derived from the Spanish word "Laguna" which means lagoon, and the word "Nigueli" which was the name of a Juaneño Indian village that was once located on Aliso Creek. The population was...
to the south, and Wood Canyon Creek
Wood Canyon Creek
Wood Canyon Creek is a small stream in Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park, which is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California. A tributary of Aliso Creek, it drains a notable valley bounded on the east side by Aliso Viejo....
forms part of the city's western boundary. Much of the city rests on the east slope of the San Joaquin Hills
San Joaquin Hills
The San Joaquin Hills are a set of low hills in coastal Orange County, California. They extend in a northwest-southeast direction, starting in the northwest in Newport Beach at the southern edge of the Los Angeles Basin, and extending southeast to San Juan Capistrano.-Geography and habitats:Named...
, which are a coastal mountain range extending for about 15 miles (24.1 km) along the Pacific coast.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Aliso Viejo had a population of 47,823. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 6,400.4 people per square mile (2,471.2/km²). The racial makeup of Aliso Viejo was 34,437 (72.0%) White, 967 (2.0%) African American, 151 (0.3%) Native American, 6,996 (14.6%) Asian, 89 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 2,446 (5.1%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2,737 (5.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8,164 persons (17.1%).
The Census reported that 47,354 people (99.0% of the population) lived in households, 450 (0.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 19 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 18,204 households, out of which 7,095 (39.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,358 (51.4%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 1,966 (10.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 791 (4.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 987 (5.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 206 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,416 households (24.3%) were made up of individuals and 638 (3.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60. There were 12,115 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(66.6% of all households); the average family size was 3.16.
The population was spread out with 12,395 people (25.9%) under the age of 18, 3,739 people (7.8%) aged 18 to 24, 17,138 people (35.8%) aged 25 to 44, 12,003 people (25.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,548 people (5.3%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.1 years. For every 100 females there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.
There were 18,867 housing units at an average density of 2,525.1 per square mile (974.9/km²), of which 11,049 (60.7%) were owner-occupied, and 7,155 (39.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.6%. 29,819 people (62.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 17,535 people (36.7%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 40,166 people, 16,147 households, and 10,689 families residing in what was, at the time, a Census Designated Place (CDP). The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,927.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,516.0/km²). There were 16,608 housing units at an average density of 1,624.0 per square mile (626.8/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 78.16% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 10.99% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.06% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.39% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.51% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 4.66% from two or more races. 11.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 16,147 households out of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.01.
The population was distributed with 26.1% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 48.8% from 25 to 44, 16.3% from 45 to 64, and 3.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.
According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the CDP was $92,280, and the median income for a family was $99,853. Males had a median income of $61,316 versus $44,190 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the CDP was $35,244. About 2.3% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.
Politics
In the state legislatureCalifornia State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
Aliso Viejo is located in the 33rd Senate
California State Senate
The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...
District, represented by Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Dick Ackerman
Dick Ackerman
Richard Charles Ackerman is a Republican U.S. politician, who was a California State Senator for the 33rd District, representing inland Orange County, from 2000 to 2008....
, and in the 70th and 73rd Assembly
California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, representing an approximately equal number of constituents, with each district having a population of at least 420,000...
Districts, represented by Republicans Don Wagner and Diane Harkey
Diane Harkey
Diane Lynn Harkey is a former Council Member and Mayor of the City of Dana Point, California. She is currently the Republican representative in California's 73rd State Assembly district.-Early years and education:...
respectively. Federally, Aliso Viejo is located in California's 48th congressional district
California's 48th congressional district
California's 48th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California based in Orange County in Southern California...
, which has a Cook PVI
Cook Partisan Voting Index
The Cook Partisan Voting Index , sometimes referred to as simply the Partisan Voting Index , is a measurement of how strongly an American congressional district or state leans toward one political party compared to the nation as a whole...
of R +8 and is represented by Republican John Campbell.
Economy
Aliso Viejo is known for having the headquarters of many large companies, including:- 3tera3tera3tera, Inc., is a developer of system software for utility computing and cloud computing. It is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California. It was acquired by CA Technologies in 2010....
, a cloud computingCloud computingCloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility over a network ....
software vendor - AND1, an athletic shoe manufacturer
- Airbag Industries, a web design & development company
- Buy.comBuy.comBuy.com, Incorporated is an online retailer based in Aliso Viejo, California.Buy.com began by selling computers and electronics in 1997 and has since expanded into many other categories...
, an online retailer - Centon Electronics, Inc.Centon Electronics, Inc.Centon Electronic, Inc. is an American privately held, multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, sells and supports flash memory products and other computer-related memory products. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, USA...
, a computer Memory manufacturer as well as flash based storage devices - eEye Digital Security, a digital security company
- Fluor Corporation, an international construction contractor for petrochemicalPetrochemicalPetrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum. Some chemical compounds made from petroleum are also obtained from other fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, or renewable sources such as corn or sugar cane....
, infrastructure, and environmental projects, headquartered in Aliso Viejo until it was relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex suburb of Irving, TexasIrving, TexasIrving is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas within Dallas County. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city population was 216,290. Irving is within the Dallas–Plano–Irving metropolitan division of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan area, designated...
in March 2006. Some divisions still reside in Aliso Viejo. - Ketel OneKetel OneKetel One is a liquor brand of the Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, the Netherlands. Ketel One Vodka is distilled from 100% wheat in copper pot stills, filtered over loose charcoal, and rests in tile lined tanks until ready...
, a vodka company - Marie Callender'sMarie Callender'sMarie Callender’s is a restaurant chain with 74 locations in seven western states. One East Side Mario’s restaurant also is part of the chain, a remnant of the period when the chain owned the ESM concept, purchased from Pepsico....
, a restaurant chain - Pacific LifePacific LifePacific Life Insurance Company is an insurance company providing life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers to individuals, businesses, and pension plans a variety of investment products and services. Pacific Life also counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S...
, an insurance company - QLogicQLogicQLogic Corporation is an Aliso Viejo, California-based designer and supplier of storage networking, high performance computing networking, and converged infrastructure solutions...
, a network storage manufacturer - Quest SoftwareQuest SoftwareQuest Software is a computer software manufacturer headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California. Founded in 1987, Quest develops, manufactures and supports software used by Information Technology professionals in a variety of industries...
, a software manufacturer - Smith Micro SoftwareSmith Micro SoftwareSmith Micro Software, Inc. , founded in 1983 by William W. Smith, Jr., is a diversified developer and marketer of both enterprise and consumer-level software solutions and services...
, a software developer - Tamiya America, US subsidiary of the manufacturer of model cars Tamiya CorporationTamiya Corporationis a Japanese manufacturer of plastic model kits, radio controlled cars, battery- and solar-powered educational models, sailboat models, acrylic and enamel model paints, and various modeling tools and supplies...
, headquartered in Aliso Viejo until it was relocated to Irvine, CA. - UST Global, an IT services and business process outsourcing company
- USWebUSWebUSWeb is currently an Internet marketing company going by the same name as the original USWeb of the 1990s. The original USWeb was founded as a web design and site engineering company which expanded during the dot-com boom into online strategy consulting and online marketing...
, an Internet marketing company - Valeant, a pharmaceutical company
Top employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fluor | 1,000 |
| 2 | UST Global | 1,000 |
| 3 | QLogic QLogic QLogic Corporation is an Aliso Viejo, California-based designer and supplier of storage networking, high performance computing networking, and converged infrastructure solutions... |
900 |
| 4 | Quest Software Quest Software Quest Software is a computer software manufacturer headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California. Founded in 1987, Quest develops, manufactures and supports software used by Information Technology professionals in a variety of industries... |
607 |
| 5 | Fluor Daniel | 500 |
| 6 | Merit Property Management | 500 |
| 7 | SafeGuard | 355 |
| 8 | MicroVention | 270 |
| 9 | Pacific Shore Funding | 250 |
| 10 | Pepsi Beverages Company | 250 |
Points of interest
- Renaissance ClubSport, is a $65 million property which opened in July 2008. The Renaissance ClubSport is Marriott'sMarriott InternationalMarriott International, Inc. is a worldwide operator and franchisor of a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Founded by J. Willard Marriott, the company is now led by son J.W. Marriott, Jr...
second hotel and fitness resort created in conjunction with Leisure Sports, Inc. (ClubSport) to fulfill the growing demand by local residents and hotel guests for a healthier lifestyle. - The Aliso Viejo Town Center is the main gathering place for both the young and old residents. It features a movie theater, a wide variety of casual dining restaurants, PetSmart, a Barnes & NobleBarnes & NobleBarnes & Noble, Inc. is the largest book retailer in the United States, operating mainly through its Barnes & Noble Booksellers chain of bookstores headquartered at 122 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District in Manhattan in New York City. Barnes & Noble also operated the chain of small B. Dalton...
, RalphsRalphsRalphs is a major supermarket chain in the Southern California area and the largest subsidiary of Cincinnati-based Kroger. It is the oldest such chain west of the Mississippi River. Ralphs also operates stores under the Food 4 Less and Foods Co. names in California.-History:Ralphs Grocery Company...
as well as other shops.
Sports teams
The Orange County GladiatorsOrange County Gladiators
The Orange County Gladiators are a minor league basketball team that plays in the West Coast Pro Basketball League. They are based in Aliso Viejo, California.-External links:*...
are an American Basketball Association
American Basketball Association
The American Basketball Association was a professional basketball league founded in 1967. The ABA ceased to exist with the ABA–NBA merger in 1976.-League history:...
(ABA) expansion team starting in November 2007. They will play their home games at Aliso Niguel High School.
"Dihydrogen monoxide" incident
Aliso Viejo city officials famously came close to banning polystyrenePolystyrene
Polystyrene ) also known as Thermocole, abbreviated following ISO Standard PS, is an aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is manufactured from petroleum by the chemical industry...
cups in 2004 after hearing that "dihydrogen monoxide
Dihydrogen monoxide hoax
In the dihydrogen monoxide hoax, water is called by an unfamiliar name, "dihydrogen monoxide", followed by a listing of real negative effects of this chemical, in an attempt to convince people that it should be carefully regulated, labeled as hazardous, or banned...
" was used in their production, neglecting the fact that this substance is actually plain water. A paralegal working for the city found the dhmo.org website
Website
A website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
and subsequently proposed the ban.
William Freund murder-suicide
In October 2005, the city gained national media attention once again when 19 year old resident William Freund donned a cape and mask and murdered two of his neighbors before killing himself. Freund was an alumnus of Aliso Viejo's only high school, Aliso Niguel High SchoolAliso Niguel High School
Aliso Niguel High School is a high school located in the city of Aliso Viejo, California, U.S. Most of its students reside in the communities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. The school is a California Distinguished School, a National Blue Ribbon School, and a New American High School...
. On November 17, 2006, the family of the two victims sued Freund's parents for "wrongful death and emotional distress."
School dance ban
In September 2006, Charles Salter, the principal of Aliso Niguel High SchoolAliso Niguel High School
Aliso Niguel High School is a high school located in the city of Aliso Viejo, California, U.S. Most of its students reside in the communities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. The school is a California Distinguished School, a National Blue Ribbon School, and a New American High School...
, Aliso Viejo's high school, gained widespread media attention when he banned all school dances until further notice. Salter came under fire for his decision. His decision was based on the school's "Welcome Back Dance", at which several students arrived intoxicated, while others engaged in "freak dancing", which Salter views as inappropriate at a school dance. At the end of the month, Salter stood his ground and cancelled the school's annual Homecoming
Homecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
Dance, which gained both Salter and the school notoriety. A story on the school was featured on the national television program, Geraldo at Large
Geraldo at Large
Geraldo at Large is a United States television newsmagazine, hosted by Fox News correspondent-at-large and former talk show host Geraldo Rivera.-History:...
and the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
also covered the dance ban. In late November, it was announced that the dances would return to the school, but under new rules that banned "freak dancing."
Mail processing center
In 2008-early 2009, Aliso Viejo residents were protesting the postal service plan to build a large mail processing center. It was in the Aliso Viejo News often. It was then voted that the processing center would not go through due to environmental concerns and traffic in the area.Emergency services
Fire protection in Aliso Viejo is provided by the Orange County Fire AuthorityOrange County Fire Authority
The Orange County Fire Authority is the agency that provides fire protection and emergency medical services for unincorporated areas of Orange County, California and cities that contract OCFA's services....
with ambulance service by Doctor's Ambulance
Doctor's Ambulance
Doctor's Ambulance Service is a privately owned company which provides emergency medical transport services to communities in Orange County, California. The company's primary response area encompasses over , six major highways and 750,000+ residents...
. Law enforcement is provided by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Education
The city is served by Capistrano Unified School DistrictCapistrano Unified School District
Capistrano Unified School District is the second largest school district in Orange County, California, the 12th largest in California and the 82nd largest in the United States. The district currently has 51,512 students...
, which includes these schools:
Elementary
- Canyon Vista Elementary School
- Don Juan Avila Elementary School
- Oak Grove Elementary School
- Wood Canyon Elementary School
Middle school
- Aliso Viejo Middle SchoolAliso Viejo Middle SchoolAliso Viejo Middle School is located in Aliso Viejo, California, and typically enrolls between 1,100 and 1,200 students total. The student body consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Its principal is Jennifer Garrett-Smalley, and it is located in the Capistrano Unified School District...
- Don Juan Avila Middle School
High school
- Aliso Niguel High SchoolAliso Niguel High SchoolAliso Niguel High School is a high school located in the city of Aliso Viejo, California, U.S. Most of its students reside in the communities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. The school is a California Distinguished School, a National Blue Ribbon School, and a New American High School...
Aliso Viejo also has private schools, including VanDamme Academy, St. Mary and All Angels School, Aliso Viejo Christian School, and a university, Soka University of America
Soka University of America
Soka University of America is a university located in Aliso Viejo, California, United States. It describes its mission as the fostering of a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life—with an emphasis on principles of pacifism, human rights, and the creative...
.
Notable natives and residents
- Farzad BonyadiFarzad BonyadiFarzad "Freddy" Bonyadi is an Iranian professional poker player based in Aliso Viejo, California, who has won 3 World Series of Poker bracelets....
, professional poker player - Ryan CoinerRyan CoinerRyan Coiner is a retired American soccer forward who played professionally in Germany and Major League Soccer.-College:...
, Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
player for the Columbus CrewColumbus CrewThe Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada... - Ryan GetzlafRyan GetzlafRyan Getzlaf is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is a centre and the captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and he played junior hockey with the Calgary Hitmen...
, center for the Anaheim DucksAnaheim DucksThe Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... - Jim GilchristJim GilchristJames "Jim" Walter Gilchrist, Jr. is the American co-founder and president of the Minuteman Project, an activist group whose aim is to prevent illegal immigration across the United States's southern border.-Early life:...
, politician and founder of the Minuteman ProjectThe Minuteman Project Inc.The Minuteman Project is an activist organization started in April 2005 by a group of private individuals in the United States to monitor the United States – Mexico border's flow of illegal immigrants. Co-founded by Jim Gilchrist, the name derives from the Minutemen, militiamen who fought in the... - Kenneth KizerKenneth KizerKenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH is the CEO of Medsphere Systems, a technology company in Aliso Viejo, California. Previously he served as the Under Secretary for Health in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and is widely credited as the chief architect responsible for the vast improvement...
, CEO and former Secretary of Health in the United States Department of Veterans AffairsUnited States Department of Veterans AffairsThe United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States government’s second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense... - Ivan KoumaevIvan KoumaevIvan Koumaev is an American dancer.Koumaev was born in Khabarovsk, Siberia, Russia and moved to Mill Creek, Washington when he was seven years old. He started dancing at age 11, after watching the film Breakin....
, contestant on the reality series So You Think You Can DanceSo You Think You Can Dance (U.S. TV series)So You Think You Can Dance is an American dance competition and reality show that airs on Fox in the United States.The series first premiered on July 20, 2005, and was created by American Idol producers Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and is produced by 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions... - Marc MaiffretMarc MaiffretMarc Maiffret is the Chief Technology Officer at , a leading vulnerability and compliance management company, which he co-founded in 1998 along with Firas Bushnaq. Maiffret left eEye for a three-year period, during which he served as Chief Security Architect at FireEye...
, computer security expert/computer hacker - Toni TurnerToni TurnerToni Turner is a stock trader, investor, and author of many books including A Beginner's Guide to Day Trading Online, A Beginner's Guide to Short-Term Trading, and Short-Term Trading in the New Stock Market. In addition, she has produced a DVD titled A Beginner's Guide to Short Selling, and is the...
, author - Alisa Valdez-Rodriguez, author
- Alicia Leigh WillisAlicia Leigh WillisAlicia Leigh Willis is an American actress. She is best known for her roles in soap operas.-Personal life:Alicia was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She is one of four children. Sisters Kimberly and Tiffany, and brother Ryan. Her father is actor David E...
, American actress who plays Courtney MatthewsCourtney MatthewsCourtney Matthews was a fictional character on the ABC soap opera, General Hospital. She was the daughter of Mike Corbin and Janine Matthews, and the half sister of mobster, Sonny Corinthos. Courtney was portrayed by Alicia Leigh Willis from December 20, 2001 until February 21, 2006...
on General HospitalGeneral HospitalGeneral Hospital is an American daytime television drama that is credited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running American soap opera currently in production and the third longest running drama in television in American history after Guiding Light and As the World Turns....
. - Kyla RossKyla RossKyla Ross is a United States gymnast from Aliso Viejo, California. Kyla trains at Gym-Max in Costa Mesa, California, where she is coached by Jenny Zhang and Howie Liang...
, USA Gymnastics Junior National Team member; 2009 Junior U.S. National Champion and 2009 Junior Pan American Games Champion