Hello, Mission Viejo. Welcome to a new era for the Buzz!
With this issue, we’re introducing several updates designed to make the Buzz easier to read on every device. You’ll notice more white space, less scrolling, and additional links to stories and community resources.
It’s all part of our goal to make the Buzz Mission Viejo’s go-to source for local news, events and information. Drop us a line to let us know what you think!
IN TODAY'S BUZZ
Mission Viejo Fights West Nile Virus
Mosquitoes suck!
This summer, that’s more than just an expression. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District says West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes are especially prevalent in Orange County.
Spread by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds, West Nile virus can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, body aches and a rash. Many people who become infected experience no symptoms at all, but in rare cases the virus can attack the nervous system, leading to serious illness, hospitalization or even death.
Mission Viejo is an essential part of an innovative effort to reduce Orange County’s West Nile-carrying mosquito populations.
In May, OC Vector Control began to release around 100,000 sterile male mosquitoes throughout the city. Male mosquitoes do not bite or spread disease. A female mosquito that mates with one will not produce offspring, helping to keep the West Nile-carrying population in check.
According to OC Vector Control, Sterile Insect Technique has been successful in locations around the world, including Los Angeles and Fresno counties. As of July 24, no infected mosquitoes have been trapped in Mission Viejo.
Mission Viejo residents can do their part to help control mosquito populations by removing stagnant water—breeding ground for mosquitoes—from around the home.
Learn more in The Orange County Register.
AROUND TOWN
Pacific Symphony Returning to the Village Green
Pack a picnic, grab a lawn chair and gather the family for an evening of orchestral music and outdoor summer fun at Symphony in the Cities/Prelude in the Park this Saturday, August 8.
Prelude in the Park begins at 4 PM and features a pre-concert Musical Playground with hands-on activities for the family, including crafts, games and a drum circle.
The Pacific Symphony orchestra goes on at 7 PM. This year’s program features audience favorites such as the theme from Star Wars, music from West Side Story, Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and a George Gershwin medley. The concert ends with a traditional armed forces salute.
The event is free, and a shuttle service is available from the Civic Center to the Village Green.
Cleaning up Mission Viejo
Jennifer Innocencio is serious about keeping Mission Viejo pristine.
The founder of the Mission Viejo chapter of ZeroTrash, a nonprofit organization formed in Laguna Beach in 2007, Innocencio brings volunteers together the first Saturday of each month to pick up trash around the city.
It’s a fun way to meet neighbors and give back to the community, as well as teach kids about the positive impact they can make in their neighborhood, she says.
Meep Meep
Greater roadrunners are common in our area. This one visited Carolyn Bobsin’s Lake Mission Viejo home on July 15.
Roadrunners will eat almost anything they can get their beaks on—even venomous prey such as scorpions and rattlesnakes are on the menu.
And, yes, coyotes are a real danger for them. Unlike the Warner Bros. cartoons many of us grew up on, coyotes don’t need TNT to catch one—they can sprint at over 40 mph, roughly twice a roadrunner’s top speed.
PEOPLE & PLACES
Finding a Purpose in the Saddle
High Ground Coffee House owner Kris Yellin has loved horses since childhood. Today, she's putting that passion to work helping people with disabilities as an equine specialist at the Shea Center.
A Toast to Second Acts
What’s a logical retirement plan for a chemical engineer who sells his successful industrial water treatment company? For Chuck Bellante, it was to open a boutique winery.
OPEN HOUSE
27130 S. Ridge Dr.
$1,948,000
4 beds, 4 baths, 3,504 sq. ft.
This beautifully maintained home in the Pacific Hills neighborhood offers a floor plan designed for both comfort and entertaining.
Upon entry, you’re welcomed by soaring ceilings, elegant travertine flooring, recessed lighting and an abundance of natural light. The main level features formal living and dining rooms, a bright and airy family room, and three fireplaces. Expansive windows create a light-filled atmosphere and enhance the home’s open feel.
The spacious gourmet kitchen is ideal for both daily living and entertaining.
Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite serves as a private retreat complete with its own fireplace and private balcony showcasing beautiful scenic views. Two additional generously sized bedrooms and beautifully appointed bathrooms complete the upper level.
CRITTER CORNER
The Ears Have It
If Baby Yoda (aka Grogu) were to hook up with a teddy bear, their offspring might look exactly like... Smokey.
Adopt Us: Abigail & Quinn
Abigail and Quinn are two nine-year-old dogs that are ready to love again. See them at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.
Show Us Your Pets
We want to meet your pets! Furry, feathery, scaly or anything in between—all creatures great and small that call Mission Viejo home are invited to appear in our Critter Corner section. Send a photo or video, along with a few words about what makes your companion one of a kind, and we'll take it from there.
OUT & ABOUT
Happenings
8/5, Rotary Club of Mission Viejo Meeting, 7:10 AM
Weekly meeting to discuss club business. More info.📍 Fidelity Investments Bldg, 27101 Puerto Real, Ste. 100.8/8, Mission Viejo Farmers Market, 9 AM–1 PM
Shop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. More info.📍 North Paseo at Los Osos, 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.8/8, NASA’s Roman Space Telescope, 2–3:30 PM
Learn about the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at a special NASA Solar System Ambassador’s community presentation. More info. 📍 City Hall Council Chamber, 200 Civic Center.8/8, Prelude in the Park, 4–6:45 PM
Gather the family for a musical playground with hands-on activities for the kiddos, including crafts, games and a drum circle. Stay for the Symphony in the Cities concert at 7 PM. More info. 📍 Oso Viejo Community Park, 24932 Veterans Way.8/11, Chamber of Commerce DayBreakers Networking Group, 7:45–9:30 AM
Come to meet, greet and get to know local business owners. $12 for members, $14 for non-members. More info.📍 Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.8/11, Mission Viejo Police Services Town Hall, 6 PM
Learn about E-bikes, neighborhood watch and business watch, current crime trends and trespass arrest authorizations. More info.📍 City Hall Council Chamber, 200 Civic Center.
Live Music & Entertainment
8/8, Symphony in the Cities, 7 PM
The Pacific Symphony orchestra performs audience favorites such as the theme from Star Wars, music from West Side Story, Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and a George Gershwin medley. More info. 📍 Oso Viejo Community Park, 24932 Veterans Way.8/8, Summer Concert at the Lake: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, 7–10 PM
The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been bringing their Texas rock to enthusiastic audiences since 1974. Their 1986 album “Tuff Enuff” included the singles “Wrap It Up” and the title track. More info. 📍 Lake Mission Viejo, 22555 Olympiad Rd.Kaleidoscope, More info.📍 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy
8/7, TBA, 6–9 PM
8/8, TBA, 6–9 PM
Mac’s Tavern, More info.📍 27567 Puerta Real
8/7, Selly & the Strays , 8 PM
8/8, Bad Habit, 8 PM
Patsy’s Irish Pub, More info.📍 25571 Jeronimo Rd.
8/4, Trivia Night, 7 PM
8/6, Bingo Thursday, 7 PM
8/9, The Outtakes, 6–9 PM
Pub Thirty-Two, More info.📍 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2.
8/5, Trivia Night, 6:30–8:30 PM
8/6, Michael Kelly, 6–9 PM
8/7, Identity Crisis, 7–10 PM
8/8, Mouhammed Bassaj, 7–10 PM
8/9: Meself, Himself and Herself, 1–3 PM
Have an event you want to list? Simply send your info, including contact details, to [email protected].
THIS WEEK’S WEATHER
Milder weather ahead. Get out there and enjoy it.
Tuesday
🌤️ 85°/66° | 💧 0% | 💨 9 mph SSW
Wednesday
🌤️ 84°/65° | 💧 0% | 💨 9 mph SW
Thursday
🌤️ 84°/67° | 💧 0% | 💨 9 mph SW
Friday
🌤️ 85°/67° | 💧 0% | 💨 9 mph SW
Saturday
☀️ 86°/68° | 💧 0% | 💨 9 mph SW
Sunday
🌤️ 85°/67° | 💧 0% | 💨 9 mph SSW
Monday
🌤️ 84°/66° | 💧 0% | 💨 10 mph SW
Symphony Under the Stars
It’s forecast to be a beautiful weekend, making it the perfect time to watch the Pacific Symphony orchestra perform under the stars at Saturday’s Symphony in the Cities concert. If you’ve not previously attended this event at Oso Viejo Park, I can’t encourage it more. Lay out your beach chairs and blanket early to reserve a good spot!
Keith Lissak
