March 24, 2026

Hi, . Had enough of the extreme heat? It seems global warming has tired of subtlety and skipped straight to “apocalyptic.” In this week’s Buzz:

A beautiful evening. Glowing candles. World-class musicians. An acoustically rich setting. It all came together for a lovely performance of the Pacific Symphony String Quartet in the Jeronimo Tunnel last Wednesday, March 18. Their Soundscapes program traveled from the cool jazz of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” to the sweetness of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Pixar’s Toy Story. Along the way, the quartet played inventive versions of “Misty,” “I Got Rhythm,” “On Green Dolphin Street” and other classics. For the hundreds of music lovers in attendance, it was a enchanting evening in a truly one-of-a-kind performance space and a great way to welcome spring.

Athletes of all abilities are likely training for the Orange County Multi-Sport Festival, scheduled for April 26 at Lake Mission Viejo. Formerly called the OC Triathlon, the festival includes swimming, biking and running events, many of which begin and end at the lake. With an Olympic Triathlon, 10k and 5k races, and a 40k bike race snaking through city streets and Santiago Canyon, spectators will have the chance to root for the athletes from many vantage points. Residents should prepare for road closures on Marguerite Pkwy, Mustang Run, Los Alisos Blvd and Olympiad Rd on festival day. More info.

Barbadanes Park will be getting a much-needed upgrade! The City Council has hired landscape architectural design firm LandStudio360 to prepare a preliminary design for rehabilitation of the park’s playground, including replacement of existing equipment, installation of a new rubberized surface, and the addition of walkway security lighting. The new, larger playground is geared for children ages 2 to 12 and will be covered by an overhead shade structure. The council plans to host a neighborhood input meeting at the park in the coming weeks, with construction expected to start this summer and be finished before the end of 2026. 📍 26462 Barbadanes.

Providence Mission Hospital has once again been named to Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals” list for 2026—marking its eighth consecutive year and earning “all-time” honors for excellence in infection prevention. The annual rankings, produced with Statista, evaluate hospitals worldwide based on expert recommendations, patient satisfaction and quality metrics. “Earning this recognition year after year speaks to the strength of our teams and our shared commitment to continuous improvement,” said Brian Helleland, chief executive of the Providence Orange County/High Desert Service Area. For Mission Viejo residents, it’s a reassuring reminder that world-class care is right in the neighborhood. More info.

What makes a snack mix more than tasty party food? How about something that also conjures memories of a loved one? That’s the recipe behind Crunch Bunch, Natalie Davis’s new venture at the Mission Viejo Farmers Market. The single mom of two began crafting kicked-up snack mixes for her mom years ago, then stopped after she passed. Now Natalie’s back to serving folks savory blends like Dill-Lightful Snack Mix—crispy cereals and pretzels bursting with dill, umami, and cheese—and an OG Furikake Mix in dairy- and gluten-free versions. “With each batch I make, I feel a little closer to my mom,” she says. More info.

The Trabuco Circle street sign across from the Mission Viejo YMCA is quietly misspelling history—with an extra “C.” Legend has it that in 1769, a Spanish soldier trekking north from San Diego lost his musket—his trabuco—giving rise to the name Trabuco Canyon. Today, “Trabuco” is everywhere: a creek, a golf course and countless South Orange County streets. So how did “Trabucco” slip through? Add one extra “C,” and suddenly it reads less like local history and more like a pasta special. The hapless soldier already lost his gun—the least we can do is spell it right!

The California Department of Education’s Exemplary Arts Education Award goes to schools that demonstrate a commitment to sustained excellence in standards-aligned arts education programs for all students. Trabuco Hills High School was one of two Orange County schools to receive the honor in 2026. THHS’s recent spring musical, The Drowsy Chaperone (pictured), is a great example of the high bar set by the school’s drama program. EAEA recipients serve as model arts programs for two years. Bravo to THHS’s visual and performing arts and unified arts programs and teachers!

Mission Viejo High School’s boys tennis team is dominating on the courts, finishing with an 8–2 record after a win over Santa Ana Valley in their final match before joining league competitions. Under second-year coach Jay Patel, the program has gained remarkable momentum and student support. In the Santa Ana Valley win, the doubles squad came through by winning both of their sets and securing Mission’s victory. Said junior Troy Simonion, “A friend on the team encouraged me to sign up. I developed a passion for the game and became a starter on varsity this year.” Following their strong season, Mission Viejo is heading into league matches with confidence. — Myrra Uppuluri

ATTENTION STUDENT WRITERS!

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].

$989,000, 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,200 sq. ft.

The guard-gated 55+ Palmia community beckons with this beautifully upgraded home. The light-filled residence offers an upgraded kitchen with custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a designer backsplash, and a breakfast nook with direct access to the backyard. The primary suite is privately located at the rear of the home with backyard access. The spa-inspired bathroom includes dual vanities, a walk-in shower, separate water closet, and a custom closet with a stylish barn door. Enjoy a serene, beautifully maintained backyard with a patio cover, pavers and lush landscaping. Upgrades include a premium Lennox HVAC system, hardwood flooring, plantation shutters, full home re-piping, tankless water heater, solar, and water softener. More info.

Listing agents: Janie Farris, Michael Farris, 949-292-6088, Regency Real Estate Brokers

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I recently planted several species of tree seeds with the intent of creating bonsai trees. It will take many years to see if they bear fruit—a reminder that patience is a virtue, whether nurturing tiny trees or growing the Buzz newsletter.

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