Hello, Mission Viejo.
They say that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. My wife disagrees. She makes irresistible lemon bars from an Ina Garten recipe instead. I’m not complaining—but the waistline of my pants is.
IN TODAY'S BUZZ
All Five Mission Viejo Council Districts on the Ballot This Fall
The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, and Mission Viejo’s five City Council districts are in play. Three longtime council members are term-limited and cannot seek reelection: Wendy Bucknum (District 5), Brian Goodell (District 2) and Trish Kelley (District 4). That means at least three districts will have new council members next year, while incumbents are seeking reelection in Districts 1 and 3.
AROUND TOWN
KSBR-FM Still The SoCal Sound
The simulcast partnership between Saddleback College radio station KSBR-FM and Cal State Northridge’s KCSN-FM ended earlier this year when Saddleback donated its FCC license to CSUN—but the music didn’t skip a beat.
Fans of KSBR can tune in to 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound for the station’s curated blend of Adult Album Alternative (Triple A) music.
“KSBR transferred its license to KCSN so that the music could continue uninterrupted,” said the SoCal Sound general manager Patrick Osburn. “We continue to be the only station playing this format in Los Angeles and Orange counties.”
Laughs for Life This Friday
An all-star lineup of stand-up comics is coming to Mission Viejo in support of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of South Orange County campaign. Laughs for Life is this Friday night, August 28, at the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center.
Be prepared to bust a gut with comedians Fritz Coleman, Wendy Liebman and Rachel Burch behind the mic. Ron Ruhman hosts the fundraiser.
Tickets are $25 with every dollar going to the fight against cancer. A dinner from Outback Steakhouse is also available for purchase at the event.
PEOPLE & PLACES
Simply Sweet Treats
What do you do with too much homegrown ripe fruit? Make jam, of course!
Massy Borghei has turned her windfall into a colorful palette of fresh jams in indulgent flavors such as pineapple, orange peel and apple rosewater. Each jar of Massy’s Sweet Treats is more than a gift from nature—it’s a labor of love.
Sample Massy’s jams every Saturday at the Mission Viejo Farmers Market.
Mission Viejo’s Suzanne Gardner Is Going for the Maxim Crown
Suzanne Gardner is making a run at the 2026 Maxim Radiance title, a competition exclusively for women over 40. If she wins, she plans to donate $5,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Find out how you can help Suzanne bring the crown—and the charity donation—home to Mission Viejo.
OPEN HOUSE
13 Pemberly
$1,595,000
4 beds, 3 baths, 1,976 sq. ft.
Listing agent: Alexander Madrigal, Sotheby’s International Real Estate, (212) 256-1319
Timeless design meets modern luxury in this completely remodeled Pacific Hills home. From the moment you enter, you are welcomed by dramatic double-height ceilings, abundant natural light, and an open, inviting floor plan.
At the heart of the home is the stunning chef’s kitchen, featuring gold quartzite countertops, custom cabinetry, premium stainless-steel appliances and designer lighting. Every bathroom has been beautifully remodeled with quartzite countertops, elegant tile work and spa-inspired finishes. The spacious primary suite offers a peaceful retreat with a beautifully redesigned en-suite bathroom, while the secondary bedrooms provide flexibility for family, guests or a home office.
Additional upgrades include new lighting, modern hardware, fresh interior finishes, upgraded doors and trim, and meticulous craftsmanship throughout, making this home truly move-in ready.
LOCAL SCHOOL LOWDOWN
It’s High School Football Season!
The 2026–27 school year got underway last week, but high school football players have been preparing all summer. All three of our Mission Viejo-based varsity teams have high expectations heading into the season. Here’s a quick preview:
Capistrano Valley High School: The Cougars opened the season by routing Damien High School 55-6 on August 14 in Honolulu. After a bye week, Capo hosts Downey High School this Friday, August 28, in the first varsity game at the school’s new $21.5 million stadium.
Mission Viejo High School: MaxPreps ranks the Diablos No. 7 in the state. The team dominated Temecula’s Chaparral High School 55-17 on the road last Friday night, and hosts St. Paul High School of Santa Fe Springs in the MVHS home opener this Friday.
Trabuco Hills High School: The Mustangs open their season at home against Bellflower High School on Friday. It’s also Future Mustangs Night, giving elementary and middle school students the chance to participate in pre-game and halftime activities.
All three schools play high-level football, and the games are well worth checking out—even if you don’t have a kid on the field. Get out there and support our local teams!
OUT & ABOUT
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Happenings
8/25-29, Kiddos Consignment Pop-up Sale, (times vary)
Sell gently used kids items (ages 0-12) at this special five-day event. Simply price and tag your items, drop them off and Kiddos does the rest. As a bonus, sellers also get to shop before the public. More info.📍 27620 Marguerite Pkwy.8/25, City Council Meeting, 6 PM
The Council will consider approving plans for park and recreation center rehabilitation projects, as well as a proposed program that fosters community connections. More info.📍 City Hall Council Chamber, 200 Civic Center.8/26, Rotary Club of Mission Viejo Meeting, 7:10 AM
Weekly meeting to discuss club business. More info.📍 Fidelity Investments Bldg, 27101 Puerto Real, Ste. 100.8/29, 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.9/1, 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.
Live Music & Entertainment
8/29, Laughs for Life, 7:30 PM
An all-star lineup of comedians will deliver the yuks at this show to support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of South Orange County campaign. More info. 📍 Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.Mac’s Tavern, More info.📍 27567 Puerta Real
8/28. The Lawncrashers, 7 PM
8/29, Creepers, 8 PM
Patsy’s Irish Pub, More info.📍 25571 Jeronimo Rd.
8/25, Trivia Night, 7 PM
8/27, Bingo Thursday, 7 PM
8/30, Sunday Soundcheck, 6 PM
Pub Thirty-Two, More info.📍 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2.
8/26, Trivia Night, 6:30–8:30 PM
8/28, Anesha Rose, 7–10 PM
8/29, Steven Shaw, 7–10 PM
8/30, Michael Kelly, 1–4 PM
Have an event you want to list? Simply send your info, including contact details, to [email protected].
THIS WEEK’S WEATHER
Extreme heat warnings are still in effect this week. Be careful out there!
Tuesday
🌤️ 93°/70° | 💧 0% | 💨 5-10 mph SW
Wednesday
🌤️ 95°/72° | 💧 0% | 💨 5-10 mph SW
Thursday
⛅️ 93°/75° | 💧 0% | 💨 5-10 mph SW
Friday
🌤️ 95°/72° | 💧 0% | 💨 5-10 mph SW
Saturday
🌤️ 91°/69° | 💧 0% | 💨 5-10 mph SW
Sunday
🌤️ 86°/65° | 💧 0% | 💨 5-10 mph SSW
Monday
☀️ 83°/65° | 💧 0% | 💨 5-10 mph SSW
The Buzz Branches Out
I’m excited to announce that I will soon begin hosting a South Orange County public affairs radio program on 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound. Like the Buzz, the new show will focus on the people, places and organizations that make our community special, but will cast a net wider than Mission Viejo’s borders. Stay tuned for more information as we head toward a launch in late September or early October.
On a related note, you may have noticed some new advertisers in the Buzz—including the SoCal Sound and CBDistillery. We continue to require that our advertisers offer products or services that are relevant to Mission Viejo residents, even if the companies themselves aren’t based here in town.
If you’d like to get your business in front of our growing audience, don’t be shy about contacting us!
Keith Lissak
