March 10, 2026

Hi, . We celebrated my father-in-law’s 90th birthday on a party cruise to Ensenada this past weekend. I’m still not sure what deck my cabin was on, but I can confidently tell you which bar had the best margaritas. In this week’s Buzz:

Be the calm in the storm. Mission Viejo residents can sign up now for the next free Community Emergency Preparedness Academy (CEPA), kicking off April 7. This award-winning, 21-hour program is a powerhouse partnership between the City of Mission Viejo, the Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Care Ambulance. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings through April 30. Following FEMA’s CERT guidelines, CEPA equips neighbors to work together before, during and after disasters. It’s led by professional first responders and provides hands-on training in fire safety, search and rescue, disaster medical operations, crisis intervention and neighborhood mobilization—including extinguishing live flames and a simulated earthquake exercise. It’s practical, empowering, and could make all the difference when it matters most. More info.

Ever been stuck in the backup on Oso Pkwy at I-5? How about dodging cars on the overpass while on a bike ride? Those issues are now being addressed. Work crews have temporarily removed one travel lane in each direction while they get started on a 90-day project to extend pavement life, upgrade lighting, signage and drainage, and add new bike lanes between Cabot Rd and the I-5 northbound off-ramp. When complete, Oso Pkwy gets three vehicle lanes plus a dedicated bike lane in each direction. In the meantime, expect delays—especially during rush hour. More info.

Summer will be epic at CampCo Day Camp at North Beach Lake, Mission Viejo. Open to kids 5–12, campers dive into wacky games, sports, mind-blowing science, scavenger hunts and crafts. Favorites include Parachute Games, CampCo Olympics, Giant Jenga, Thunderdome, Jail Break and Banana Tag. There’s also swimming in the lake, party boats, pedal boats and kayaks. With small groups led by awesome counselors, picnic shelter views, beach, courts and fields, fun is guaranteed. “Our kids have been coming to this camp for the last three summers and always have a great time,” says parent Jason Lord. Choose your days and weeks—but hurry, camps fill fast! More info.

Word spread as early as spring 2025 that Costello’s Neighborhood Tavern in Puerto Real Plaza was closing. Once a hub for local bands, the 4,200-square-foot bar and restaurant stopped hosting live music last May, fueling speculation about its future. The end came last month when Costello’s officially shut its doors. Taking its place will be Mac’s Tavern, a locally owned bar and dining establishment. Little is known about Mac’s so far—except that its owners are still awaiting a liquor license.📍 27567 Puerto Real

Ann Jenner and her husband, Ed, treasure their life in the U.S. The Casta del Sol residents live contentedly—but Ann’s childhood was anything but serene. Born in Voorburg, The Netherlands, in 1935, she spent 27 months in hiding, separated from her parents and siblings, to evade the Nazis. Ann’s family ultimately survived the Holocaust and emigrated to the U.S. in 1952. Today, the exuberant 91-year-old says that news of recent ICE activities revives fears of being seized by the Gestapo as she walked to school. “We go about our lives,” she says, “but history can repeat itself.” As her mother used to tell Ann and her brothers and sisters: “You may forgive but never forget.”

There's nothing like a refreshing iced tea on a hot summer day—especially if you’re from Amarillo, Texas. Kendall and Whitney Neill of The Well House Tea are bringing that experience to the Mission Viejo Farmers Market. The college sweethearts dreamed up their business after moving to Kansas and missing the social ritual of sweet tea back home. After relocating to South Orange County in 2023, they launched Well House Tea from a custom drink trailer built by Kendall. They simply park, open the windows, and offer a refreshing menu of premium iced teas, flavored waters and lemonades. “We're bringing Southern hospitality to Southern California,” says Whitney. More info.

After an incredible run in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 Basketball Playoffs, the Trabuco Hills High School Mustangs were determined to bring a championship back home. Returning to the final game for the first time in 30 years, the Mustangs came up just short, losing to Colony High School 51-44. Their determination and perseverance earned them a berth in the CIF State Championships (Division 3), where they won their first-round game against El Camino Real High School 55-47. Last week, their season came to a close with a second-round loss to Birmingham High School 77-68. It was a remarkable run for the Mustangs.

Sophomore Izzy Hernandez of Capistrano Valley High School isn’t just spinning tracks—he’s spinning heads. Performing as DJ Izloh, Izzy honed his craft on vinyl at the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound, mastering old-school turntablism in a digital age. Among other accolades, he earned first place at the 2025 West Coast regionals of the legendary DMC World DJ Championships, ultimately placing third in the nation. He’s rocked Crypto.com Arena for LA Kings crowds and performed from Anaheim to London. At this rate, the global stage is calling—and DJ Izloh is ready to answer. “I want to be a major contributor to the underground DJ community,” he says. — Eileen Chon

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If you’re a middle or high school student in Mission Viejo and want to report on the activities, events and people at your school for the Buzz, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a great way to earn a byline, build experience and have your voice heard. Reach out to [email protected].

$1,310,000, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,293 sq. ft.

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the prestigious community of Painted Trails, this beautifully maintained home features custom interior paint, elegant crown molding, upgraded base molding, plantation shutters and a whole-house fan for added comfort and energy efficiency. The kitchen is designed for both functionality and entertaining, showcasing granite countertops, a large center island, and ample cabinetry. In addition to four bedrooms, there’s a spacious loft with a built-in office desk and custom bench seating. Additional upgrades include a newer AC system and a tankless water heater. More info.

Listing agents: Matt Babayan, 949-463-6227, Andrea Vargas, 949-463-4361, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

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I was so pleased to meet Ann Jenner, a 91-year-old Mission Viejo resident whose family survived the horrors of the Holocaust and made a life in the U.S. She was delightful! Read her story in this week’s People & Places section.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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