April 21, 2026
Hi, . With both the Kings and Ducks making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, my loyalty should be torn. But it’s not. I’ll take crowns over quacks any day. In this week’s Buzz:
Major upgrade for Oso Creek trailhead
Return of the grass-grazing goats
Mission Viejo’s steepest street
Our very own astronaut: Michael Lopez-Alegria
Mission Viejo Property Showcase
Out and About
Weekly Weather Forecast
A new beginning for trail’s end
The City Council voted unanimously to move forward on a plan to expand and enhance the north Oso Creek trailhead. Located off Casta Del Sol, across the street from Oso Creek Golf Course, the project includes the addition of restrooms, a snack bar and parking for 42 cars. The steep trailhead itself will also be reconfigured from its current 24% grade to 12%, making the trail accessible to more people. State Senator Catherine Blakespeare has secured a grant of $1.175 million for the project, with an additional grant of $500,000 from the office of Rep. Young Kim anticipated over the summer. A start date for the work was not announced. More info.
Expect road closures this weekend
The Orange County Multi-Sport Festival is this Sunday, April 26, at Lake Mission Viejo, and roads throughout Mission Viejo will be closed to accommodate the athletes. Here’s what to expect:
Marguerite Pkwy: Mustang Run to El Toro, 5–9 AM
Marguerite Pkwy: Vista Del Lago to Mustang Run, 5–11 AM
Los Alisos Blvd: Vista Del Lago to Mustang Run, 5–11 AM
Olympiad Rd: Melinda to Marguerite Pkwy, 5–11 AM
Mustang Run: Los Alisos Blvd to Marguerite Pkwy, 5–11 AM
Additional streets and intersections may also be closed temporarily throughout the morning. More info.
NEWS BITS
Four-legged weed whackers return to MV
They’re baaack. The City is once again employing goats to assist with wildfire prevention and vegetation management. Goat grazing is an effective, sustainable method for fuel reduction, especially in steep terrain or in sensitive habitats. First used by the City last September, more than 200 goats are now chowing down on black mustard, artichoke thistle and other non-native plants on the western slope of the Oso Creek Trail, between Jeronimo and Casta Del Sol. Two guard dogs are also working to protect the herd from predators such as coyotes. Residents are invited to meet the goats this Saturday, April 25, at an interactive event where you can see miniature goats up close while learning about their role in vegetation management, wildfire prevention and environmental stewardship. More info.
Step inside Mission Viejo’s past
Ever wonder what Mission Viejo looked like before it was, well, Mission Viejo? Heritage House in Melinda Park has the answers, and it’s just been spruced up with a fresh new historical display. Formerly a Mission Viejo Company new home sales center, it was the place prospective buyers came to find their dream home. Today, the Heritage House is where visitors come to learn about the people and events that made Mission Viejo “The California Promise.” Come see it for yourself at a special open house on Sunday, May 17, from 1–4 pm. It’s free, it’s fascinating, and it’s fun for all ages. More info.📍 28951 Melinda Rd.
Where gravity wins: San Gonzalo Drive
Mission Viejo has plenty of steep streets. And then there’s San Gonzalo Dr. Widely considered the city’s steepest thoroughfare, it reaches a gradient of more than 17.3%—well above the 10–15% typical of most hilly streets. While it doesn’t rival San Francisco’s Filbert St (about 31.5%), it’s still a serious drop. For years, skateboarders have treated it like a proving ground. But the slope comes with risks, and the street has seen its share of accidents over the years, including a tragic fatality involving a young cyclist. Riding up the hill is far safer, though your legs will definitely pay the price.
PEOPLE & PLACES
He looked up and didn’t stop
Long before he logged 257 days in space and floated in zero gravity, Michael Lopez-Alegria was just a kid in Mission Viejo, walking the halls of La Paz Intermediate and Mission Viejo High School. Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1992, Lopez-Alegria served as a mission specialist for three flights aboard the space shuttle, and as commander of Expedition 14 aboard the International Space Station from September 2006 to April 2007. He holds NASA records for most extravehicular activities, or “spacewalks,” (10) and cumulative EVA time (67 hours, 40 minutes). In 2021, NASA inducted this hometown hero into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. One of our own looked up at the sky and didn’t stop until he got there. More info.
LOCAL SCHOOL LOWDOWN
MVHS says OK to Oklahoma!
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical Oklahoma! is coming to the stage at Mission Viejo High School. Set in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906, this beloved show follows two couples as they deal with love, rivalry and life on the frontier. Oklahoma! is one of Broadway's most iconic musicals, packed with energetic dance numbers and beloved songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “Surrey with the Fringe on Top.” Don’t miss the chance to support the MVHS Drama program as they bring this funny, heartwarming story to life in their last and grandest production of the season! Shows run April 23–25, 29–30 and May 1 at 7 PM in the PAT. Buy tickets. — 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].
MISSION VIEJO PROPERTY SHOWCASE
26831 Alicante Dr.
$1,699,000, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,543 sq. ft.
Imagine your own private backyard oasis with a stunning pool and spa, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. This turnkey gem sits on a generous corner lot with resort-style living, abundant outdoor space and ample parking. Inside, there is luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, giving the home a clean, modern feel. Two cozy fireplaces add warmth and charm, while the fully renovated chef's kitchen is built for effortless cooking and entertaining. A spacious downstairs suite with full bath offers flexible living options. More info.
Listing agent: Megan Bixler, (949) 698-3901, Alta Realty Group CA
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OUT AND ABOUT
Happenings
4/22, Senior Drop-and-Go Food Drive, Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 10 AM–12 PMSupport local seniors with food insecurity needs. Simply place non-perishable canned goods in your trunk, drive up, pop the trunk, and volunteers will collect it. More info.📍 24932 Veterans Way.
4/22, “From Darkness to Light: An Evening of Remembrance and Hope,” Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 6:30 PMAttend a profound and inspiring evening featuring Holocaust survivors Mike Wolff, Ann Jenner and Sam Silberberg, whose stories of courage, loss, resilience and renewal illuminate the world today. This free public program offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from people who endured humanity’s darkest chapter and emerged with messages that continue to guide future generations. More info.📍 24932 Veterans Way.
Malbec & Mother Earth, Wineworks For Everyone, 5:30–7:30 PMExperience the high-altitude vineyards of Catena Zapata from the Mendoza region of Argentina as you sample their chardonnay and malbec, as well as a Domaine Nico Grande Mere pinot noir. $30 per tasting. More info. 📍 26342 Oso Pkwy.
4/23, Spring Wine Tasting, O’Neill’s Bar & Grill, 6:30–9 PMTaste and purchase more than 100 wines at exclusive wholesale prices, perfectly paired with light appetizers in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. $45 in advance, $50 at the door. More info.📍 26772 Avery Pkwy.
4/25, Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration, Oso Creek Trail, 8 AM–12 PMEmbrace nature by planting trees and shrubs along the Oso Creek Trail. Attendees can meet the goats currently being used for wildfire prevention and vegetation management, as well as attend a Green Expo featuring earth-friendly activities and environmental exhibits. More info.📍 Oso Creek Trail, north of Jeronimo Rd.
4/25, Mission Viejo Farmers Market, North Paseo at Los Osos, 9 AM–1 PMShop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. More info.📍 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.
4/25, Barn Bash 2026, Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, 12–4 PMSupport the care, medical treatment and second chances for shelter animals. Patrons can purchase food from Delanya’s BBQ, along with beer and wine, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG). More info.📍 28095 Hillcrest.
4/28, DayBreakers Networking Group, Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 7:45–9:30 AMWeekly networking event for the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce. Come to meet, greet and get to know local business owners. $12 for members, $14 for non-members. More info.📍 24932 Veterans Way.
4/28, Homework Help, Mission Viejo Library, 4:30 PMVolunteer tutors are on hand to work with students in grades 2 through 6 during the school year. Students are advised to bring specific assignments. Please register one week prior to your desired date. More info.📍 100 Civic Center.
4/28, City Council Meeting, City Hall Council Chamber, 6–10 PMAgenda available on Friday before the meeting. More info.📍 200 Civic Center.
Live Music & Entertainment
4/23–25, Oklahoma!, Mission Viejo High School, 7 PMThe MVHS Drama program brings Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical to life in their biggest production of the season. Buy tickets. 📍 25025 Chrisanta Dr.
4/24–25, Dance Collective, Saddleback CollegeAn inspiring evening of dance premieres from faculty choreographers, featuring a wide range of styles and student performers. Three shows: 4/24 at 7:30 PM, 4/25 at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. More info.📍 McKinney Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy.
Kaleidoscope, More info.📍 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy
4/24: Two for the Show, 6-9 PM
4/24: JettFoxx, 6-9 PM
Pub Thirty-Two, More info.📍 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2.
4/24: Anesha Rose, 7-10 PM
4/25: Joe Hickey, 7-10 PM
Have an event you want to list? Simply send your info, including contact details, to [email protected].
Your Weekly Forecast
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Keith Lissak
Publisher/Editor
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