Rancho Mission Viejo Cancels 2023 Rodeo

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

This year’s Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has been canceled because of the spread of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), which primarily affects horses and cattle, across Southern California, Rancho Mission Viejo officials announced on July 31.

The two-day rodeo raises funds for local charities, bringing in more than $2.8 million over its 20-year history. In 2022, the event raised more than $150,000 for nonprofits, including the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, Children’s Health of Orange County and other organizations.

“This is a difficult and heartbreaking decision, but it is also the correct decision given the continued spread of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus,” Tony Moiso, chairperson and chief executive officer of Rancho Mission Viejo, said in a media release.

Moiso added that Rancho Mission Viejo’s primary concern rests in the safety of its animals and participants.

According to the media release, all sponsorship and ticket money will be returned. More information about the refunds can be found at rmvrodeo.com.

“Although canceling this year’s rodeo is disappointing, our planning team will begin working on next year’s event,” Gilbert Aguirre, executive vice president of ranch operations for Rancho Mission Viejo, said in the release.“We hope all of our friends, fans and sponsors will plan to join us in 2024.”

Obituary: Wilma Broccardo

Longtime resident of San Clemente, California, Wilma Marie Broccardo (Campbell) passed away with her husband by her side at their home in Wolf Creek, Oregon, on July 20, 2023. Wilma was born July 2, 1952, in Broken Bow, Nebraska. The family moved to San Clemente, California in 1953 where she attended Las Palmas, Concordia and graduated from San Clemente High School in 1970. On October 24th, 1969, Wilma married Fred Broccardo at the Fort Ord Chapel. Fred and Wilma raised two sons, Mark and Joseph, in San Clemente. Wilma retired from a career as an Escrow Officer around 2004 and helped care for four of her grandsons, by whom she was called Grandma Bubbles. In 2011,Wilma and Fred relocated to Wolf Creek, Oregon. Wilma was preceded in death by father John O. Campbell, mother Edna Mae Campbell, brother John A.Campbell, sister Linda Mae Campbell. She is survived by husband Fred Broccardo, sister Mary Jane Ponder, sons Mark and Joseph Broccardo, grandsons Teague, Aiden, Kohl, Seth, Hayes, and John, five great grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews. A celebration of life and memorial will take place in San Clemente at a future date to be determined.