May 13, 2025

Hello, Mission Viejo! Phew, made it to our second issue! Here’s what we’ve got lined up this week:

  • Lake Mission Viejo Summer Concert Series

  • Wholesome Choice coming to Mission Viejo

  • Los Osos project on pause

  • Allie Molin hits the high notes

  • Dirty Pet Wash now open

  • Weekly weather forecast

Families enjoying an outdoor concert

Get ready to rock

Lake Mission Viejo's 2025 summer concert series is gonna be epic. Picture this: You're chillin' by the water on June 12, cold beverage in hand, when Elton John struts onto the stage. OK, it’s not really Sir Elton, but Kenny Metcalf, who will channel the “Rocket Man” in a glam-tastic tribute that'll have you belting out "Tiny Dancer” and other classics. Then, on June 28, Woodstock veterans Blood, Sweat & Tears bring their legendary jazz-rock to the lake. July 12 will welcome the reggae vibes of the Original Wailers, with ‘80s synth-pop/new wave chart-topper Berlin appearing on July 26. The series wraps up with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Andy Grammer on August 9 and Orange County’s own ska-punk heroes Save Ferris on August 30. Now that’s a hot summer! Find complete details here.

Young boy with a donut

It’s all about the donuts

The Buzz’s quest to find the best donut in Mission Viejo wraps up Friday, May 16, so don’t wait to vote for your favorite.  Who will win this very unscientific but delicious research project? It’s up to you!

NEWS BITS

Wholesome Choice coming to MV

Great news for local foodies! Wholesome Choice market is bringing its diverse culinary offerings to the former Orchard Supply Hardware location at 24011 Marguerite Pkwy. The specialty food market offers an impressive selection of international and prepared items that have earned rave reviews from shoppers at Wholesome Choice’s Irvine location. You can look forward to international groceries, fresh produce and meat, and a large food court featuring cuisines from around the world. Stay tuned for opening details.

The future home of Wholesome Choice market in Mission Viejo, Calif.

Rendering of the Los Oso redevelopment project

Los Osos project on hold

Mission Viejo's dynamic Los Osos Civic Core development project, scheduled to replace the Village Center at Marguerite and La Paz, is taking a brief intermission. City manager Elaine Lister has announced a temporary halt on construction contracts so that new options can be explored, including a public-private partnership. With recent store closures at the Village Center and water district changes, this pause allows for thoughtful planning without incurring extra costs. The vision remains alive—just taking a little extra time before transformation begins. Read more about the project.

Know your evacuation zone

Living in SoCal means being prepared for wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. During an emergency, local officials may ask you to shelter in place or evacuate, so it's important to know your evacuation zone. Mission Viejo has 25 of them. To find your zone, use the city’s GIS map. Simply enter your address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) in the search box. Knowing your evacuation zone can help keep you safe when it matters most!

PEOPLE & PLACES

Allie Molin hitting the high notes

Mission Viejo native Allie Molin is blowing away stereotypes—and audiences—with her monster trumpet skills. The Orange County School of the Arts senior was recently honored as a 2025 High School Artist of the Year for instrumental music, as well as winner in the Jazz/Trumpet category by the national YoungArts program. This summer she’ll be gigging with other stand-out teen musicians as part of Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz residency, which includes a concert at the fabled venue on Saturday, July 26, followed by a tour of Latin America. “I’ve been working toward this for several years, so it was kind of surreal when I was accepted to the program,” she said. “I’m very excited about it and the chance to play with some really great musicians.” Major chops, indeed.

Allie Molin with her trumpet.

Pet washing tubs at Dirty Pet Wash in Mission Viejo, Calif.

Dirty Pet Wash Unleashed in MV

Say goodbye to the struggle of washing your pooch at home and hello to a shiny, stink-free coat! The self-service Dirty Pet Wash opened its doors in March with ergonomic tubs, professional dryers, and all-natural shampoos and conditioners. Transforming your muddy buddy into a best-of-show contender has never been easier. (949) 503-1083, 28251 Marguerite Pkwy.

OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

  • 5/16, Superhero Day, Montanoso and Sierra Recreation CentersAccess the amenities at Mission Viejo’s Montanoso and Sierra recreation centers for free, including the heated swimming pools, by showing up in your favorite superhero t-shirt. Then, from 5-7 PM, young superheroes can embark on a scavenger hunt at Montanoso, enjoy s’mores and refreshments, and meet Gotham’s favorite superhero! Montanoso is located at 25800 Montanoso Dr. and Sierra at 26887 Recodo Ln. More info here.

  • 5/17 & 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-OffWatch professional and amateur chefs battle it out for chili bragging rights, check out local vendors and groove to live music! Entry is $10 per person, $50 for competitors. All proceeds benefit 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

  • Olds Ambassador trumpet: $200. Good condition. 1976 original, not used in many years. Contact Keith: [email protected].

  • Estate Sale: May 14, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM; May 15, 9:00 AM-1:00PM; May 17, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Antiques, glassware, furnishings, kitchenware, art, electronics, clothing, pottery, appliances, much more. Contact Graysons for address and additional info.

Having a yard or garage sale? Got stuff you want to sell or give away? List it here for free! Simply send your listing, including contact information and a photo (if selling an item), to [email protected].

Your Weekly Forecast

Thanks for reading the BUZZ!

If you’ve got a story idea or thoughts about how we can do better, drop me a line: [email protected].

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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