May 6, 2025

Hello, Mission Viejo! In this week’s Buzz:

Meet your new neighborhood newsletter
Mission Viejo’s best donut survey
The Kaleidoscope: our “ghost town mall”
Wineworks for Everyone
Mother’s Day brunches
Stuff to buy, sell & trade
Weekly weather forecast

Feel the buzz of our amazing community

Say hello to Mission Viejo Buzz, your all-new weekly newsletter and info hub for this beautiful place we call home. Community issues. Local happenings. The latest on neighborhood businesses and people. Classifieds. Our busy bees will cover it all, seeking to inform and entertain you in each and every issue. Check your inbox every Tuesday morning to get ready for the week ahead. And if you haven’t subscribed yet, don’t wait! You won’t want to miss a single issue.

Whose donuts rule?

We're on a quest to find the best darn donuts in Mission Viejo and need your taste buds to lead the way! Whether you're into classic glazed or wild maple-bacon creations, vote for your favorite and help crown the ultimate donut champ. Cast your vote by May 15 and we’ll announce the winner in the May 20 issue. And go ahead, try all of the entrants, but don’t blame us for your expanded waist line!

Vote Now

NEWS BITS

New life for the Kaleidoscope?

The Kaleidoscope Mall on Crown Valley was once a local favorite but lately it’s been eerily quiet. Many stores have closed and fewer people are visiting. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times even refers to it as the “ghost town mall.” But changes could be on the way. Mission Viejo city officials and community members are discussing new plans to bring life back to the space, including the addition of housing, offices and fresh new shops. The ultimate goal is to make the Kaleidoscope a fun, lively place once again.

Pump it up on the Oso Creek Trail pump track

Take on the rollers and banked turns at Mission Viejo's temporary pump track, now open through May 17 from 7 AM-dusk. Located along the Oso Creek Trail in the Celebration Garden, the closed-circuit track helps build bike skills and improve fitness for riders of all ages. “It’s so fun, no matter how old you are,” said 12-year-old rider Grayson as 5-year-old Matteo zipped around the circuit. Bring non-motorized bikes or scooters and wear helmets. More info here.

Smoother sailing on I-5

Traffic on I-5 between State Road 73 and El Toro Road is finally moving again! After $687 million, several years of delays and countless hours sitting in traffic, the 6.5-mile stretch of freeway now includes a new general-purpose lane in each direction; a second carpool lane between Alicia Pkwy and El Toro; new auxiliary lanes between interchanges; reconstructed ramps at La Paz Road, Avery Pkwy and Los Alisos Blvd; and upgrades to local streets, sidewalks and bike lanes for improved safety and connectivity. To say it’s about time would be an understatement, right?

PEOPLE & PLACES

Happy hour at Wineworks

World-class wines and delectable appetizers are never a bad thing, especially after a long day at the office. Wineworks For Everyone makes it easy to enjoy these treats at its happy hour, from 4:30-5:45 PM, Monday through Friday. In addition to notable wines and cocktails, the menu features a variety of culinary delights such as an artisanal cheese and charcuterie plate, brie fondue, jumbo lump crab cakes, short rib panini and an heirloom marble potato pizetta. 26342 Oso Pkwy.

Compassionate care and companionship

Looking for a kind, reliable and experienced caregiver? Victor Veloria offers specialized assistance to elderly and disabled individuals, handling daily activities from bathing and grooming to meal preparation and medication management. His gentle approach creates a safe, supportive environment for your loved ones. Discover dedicated companionship and professional care by contacting Victor at (949) 887-7862.

OUT AND ABOUT

Mother’s Day Brunches

Delizie Ristorante & Bar, 9:30 AM-2:30 PMOmelets, waffles, prime rib, glazed ham, Italian specialties, salads, appetizers and desserts. $85 for adults, $45 for kids (7-13), plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: (949) 855-6866. 25380 Marguerite Pkwy.
Dublin 4 Gastropub, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM Special brunch items and cocktails served alongside the regular menu. Irish scones, crispy edge sourdough pancakes, shakshuka, traditional Irish breakfast, avocado toast. Reservations: (949) 582-0026. 26342 Oso Pkwy.
O'Neill's Bar & Grill, seatings at 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 2 PM Grill station, carving station, fresh seafood, signature salads, omelet station, assorted breakfast items, desserts and more. $115 for adults ($135 with unlimited champagne), $49.95 for kids (5-12), plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: (949) 305-5100 or OpenTable. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, 26772 Avery Pkwy.
Piccolino Ristorante, 11 AM-2 PM Prix fix three-course menu, served with a mimosa or orange juice. Eggs benedict, lemon pancakes, frittata di salmone, gnocchi di spinach, tiramisu and more. $85 for adults, $35 for kids (5-13), plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: (949) 380-7261. 28719 Los Alisos Blvd.
Terrace on the Green, 10 AM-2:30 PMLive jazz music, grand buffet featuring prime rib, fresh fish, risotto, gourmet meat and cheese, salad bar, waffles, omelets, desserts and more. All moms receive flowers and a chocolate treat. $89.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids (5-12), plus tax and gratuity. Reserve your seats here. Oso Creek Golf Course, 27601 Casta Del Sol.

Happenings

5/10, 17 & 18, 9 AM-12 PM: Lake Mission Viejo Junior Lifeguard TryoutsAn aquatic-based education program for kids and teens, ages 8-15. Participants learn basic open-water safety skills, lifeguarding practices, rescue boat operations and first aid procedures. Tryouts include a swim test at the lake. Visit LMVjuniorguards.org for costs and additional program information.
5/24, 11 AM-3 PM: Third Annual Rotary Club of Mission Viejo Chili Cook-OffSpice things up by watching professional and amateur chefs battle it out for chili bragging rights. You can also check out local vendors and groove to live music! Entry is $10 per person, or $50 for competitors, with all proceeds benefiting Mission Viejo High School scholarships and other local charities. Visit the Cook-Off web page for more info. Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

Buy, Sell & Trade

Apple 15” MacBook Air: $850Flawless condition. Apple M2 chip (2023), 8GB unified memory, 512GB SSD storage, 15.3” Liquid Retina display (2880 x 1864), battery in excellent health. Contact Kevin: 818-568-3931.

Bernardaud Gemme Gris bone china: $400. Seven place settings: dinner plates, salad plates, bread plates, saucers and tea cups. Three soup bowls. Never used. Contact Michelle: [email protected].