People who cite meaningful connections with others in their community report extraordinarily high levels of satisfaction on “Best Places to Live” indexes. They also tend to live much longer. Therein lies the impetus behind Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch’s newest monthly event: Coffee Chat, held at Morena’s Mexican in the Sendero Marketplace. 

“We want Coffee Chat to be an event for everyone,” said Juliet Rosales, Morena’s owner, “with monthly topics that include other events, infrastructure, utilities, governance, land use, the environment, retail and business.” Presenters will be will be experts on the topics, which will be relevant to everyday life, newsworthy and intended to enhance the group’s knowledge base in some way. The upcoming election is sure to attract a few political candidates, eager for an audience with engaged, civic-minded voters!

Upcoming topics include tips on photography, how to start your own small business, senior living options, and how south O.C. reuses water. Follow Community Coffee Chat’s Facebook page for a list of upcoming speakers and topics.

Organizers say the event is more than the information shared, it’s also about building relationships with people who want to make a difference in the community. “Our goal is to build an event where the residents become friends through their shared interests and consistent participation,” said Linda Hakim and Todd Stearns. “We hope they’ll go out of their way to say “hi” when bumping into each other at the farmers market or the grocery store!”