Champion
Joshua Vecchione
I am proud to name Joshua Vecchione as the Senate District 38 Community Champion for June, during Pride Month, in recognition of his outstanding dedication to the LGBTQ+ community, his commitment to community service and civic engagement, and his efforts to advance inclusivity throughout South Orange County. Through his leadership and advocacy, Joshua has created meaningful opportunities for residents to connect and celebrate diversity, and strengthen the bonds that unite the community.
Joshua has led a diverse and impactful professional life. He previously owned and operated a jewelry store in Mission Viejo and a toy store in Ladera Ranch, served as a Funeral Service Director and worked as Artistic Director of Quiet Zone Theatre, a deaf theatrical company that performed entirely in American Sign Language. A lifelong advocate for inclusion and the arts, he currently serves as President of the South County Production Association (SCPA), a volunteer-based theater organization. Across each of these roles, Joshua has been committed to creating opportunities for others, supporting underserved communities, and helping individuals and families through life's most challenging moments.
As a Community Services Commissioner for the City of Mission Viejo, Joshua continues his dedication to public service as a vital liaison between residents and city government. In this role, he has helped enhance the quality of life throughout the community by championing programs, services, and events that bring people together, foster civic pride, and strengthen the bonds that make Mission Viejo a vibrant and connected community.
Deeply committed to serving others, Joshua has organized hundreds of charitable fundraisers, supported disaster relief efforts in Haiti and the Philippines, founded the "Cares" support group for individuals living with chronic illnesses, volunteered weekly with Mission Viejo's Park It Market since 2020, and personally assisted seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing groceries and prepared meals. His service and advocacy have earned numerous recognitions, including the City of Mission Viejo Customer Service Award, Saddleback Church's Giant Slayer Award, the Apple of My Eye Award from the Dale McIntosh Company, recognition from The Orange County Register for his work with Quiet Zone Theatre, and a Disney grant awarded to Quiet Zone Theatre in support of its contributions to the deaf community.
Joshua is especially recognized for his leadership in organizing the annual Mission Viejo Pride Festival, which has grown into a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. The event provides a welcoming space for individuals and families from all backgrounds to gather, celebrate authenticity, and build meaningful connections, helping ensure LGBTQ+ residents and allies feel seen, supported, and embraced.
Through his compassion, vision, and commitment to service, Joshua continues to make a lasting impact on Mission Viejo and the surrounding region. Guided by a belief that communities thrive when compassion is paired with action, he has dedicated his life to supporting families in grief, advancing inclusion for the deaf and LGBTQ+ communities, assisting those facing illness or hardship, and creating spaces where service, advocacy, and human connection can flourish. Through his leadership and generosity, Joshua has strengthened community ties, advanced inclusivity, and helped build a more resilient and connected community, making him the deserving Senate District 38 Community Champion for June.