Makeover ahead for the Shops at Mission Viejo

Artist rendering of new outdoor shopping and dining village at The Shops at Mission Viejo

Get ready for an elevated shopping and dining experience right here in town. The Shops at Mission Viejo is scheduled for a major makeover with the addition of a new outdoor shopping and dining village. The multimillion-dollar expansion will add 50,000 square feet of open-air space specifically designed for our casual Orange County lifestyle. Restaurants North Italia and Pacific Catch are already signed up, with more to be announced. A two-story Arhaus furniture showroom and a shiny new Uniqlo store are also planned. Construction kicks off later this year, with the grand opening set for the 2026 holiday season… perfect timing for some serious retail and dining therapy!

NEWS BITS

High school graduation ceremony lowdown

The school year is quickly winding down and graduation ceremonies at our two public high schools are just around the corner. Capistrano Valley High School’s event is scheduled for June 5 at 4 PM at Saddleback College Stadium. Mission Viejo High School will host its ceremony on June 5 at 6 PM in the MVHS Stadium. Congrats to all of our local graduating seniors!

Perfection on Wheels BMX bike stunt show coming to Mission Viejo

BMX thrills and bike safety

Kick off summer with a wheelie good time at the ultimate Bike-X and Helmets event. Just roll over to the Shops at Mission Viejo (near Macy's) on Saturday, May 31 from 11 AM-2 PM to check out the Perfection on Wheels BMX bike stunt show and learn about bike safety. There will be live music, and Providence Mission Hospital's trauma team will hand out free multi-sport-style helmets to kids aged 2-17 (while supplies last). An array of police and other vehicles will also be on display, along with a selection of e-bikes from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Ride on! For more information, call 949-470-8433.

Affordable taxi rides for seniors

Hey seniors, discover the freedom of affordable transportation with the city’s Senior Dial-a-Taxi program. For just $5 per one-way trip, anytime day or night, you can zip around Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Laguna Woods, RSM and other locations. Trips to and from John Wayne Airport are $20 each way. This amazing service is exclusively for residents aged 60 and up who call Mission Viejo home. Apply here.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Shin Sushi

Tucked away in a corner of the Mission Viejo Marketplace shopping center, Shin Sushi is easy to miss. But don’t be fooled: This tiny spot is a hidden gem, drawing sushi aficionados from around So Cal for more than 30 years. Shin’s special cucumber roll is worth the trip alone. A peeled cucumber skin packed with tuna, salmon, crab, avocado and masago, it’s served with a sweet miso dipping sauce. “To die for” is an understatement. Reservations suggested. (949) 582-1011. 26002 Marguerite Pkwy.

Local hero Casey Kleindienst

Talk about a triple threat of service! Long-time Mission Viejo resident Casey Kleindienst recently received the Service of Merit Award from VFW Post 6024 in recognition of his outstanding dedication as the post’s Advocate & Chief of Staff. Casey served with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam (1966-67) as Company Clerk, Recon Squad, before building a distinguished 35-year career as a high-tech executive leading global supply chains. From 2005 to 2021, he lectured at Cal State Fullerton College of Business, teaching supply chain and operations courses. In 2015, he inaugurated the school’s Association for Operations and Supply Chain Management professional advisory board. Casey also served as an OCFA firefighter. Truly heroic!

OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

5/30, Grapes & Grains, Norman P. Murray Center, 5:30-8 PMImmerse yourself in a curated selection of fine wines and artisanal craft beers while being serenaded by relaxing live music. For just $30, you'll receive eight tasting opportunities. Elevate your experience with a gourmet charcuterie box—only $25 for an array of cheeses and cured meats. To register or reserve your charcuterie box, call 949-470-3062 or visit the event webpage. 24932 Veterans Way.
5/31, Food Drive, Mission Viejo Farmers Market, 9 AM-1 PMDonate non-perishable, non-expired food items to the South County Outreach pantry. Requests include peanut butter; dry pasta; canned fruit, vegetables, beans, chicken and tuna; cereal; cooking oil; mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup; rice; granola bars; spices; cake, pancake and bread mixes. No glass items. 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.

Entertainment

Live Music, Pub Thirty-Two, 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #25/30: Lee Roy, 7-10 PM5/31: Cillian's Bridge, 7-10 PM
5/30, Symphony on the Go, Pavion Park, 6:30 PMFree chamber music concert presented by Pacific Symphony. Viola player Carolyn Riley and her string quartet will play classics from Handel, Haydn, Vivaldi, Brahms, Debussy and Massenet, alongside film music by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Ernest Gold and John Barry. Audiences are invited to set up beach chairs and blankets starting at 5 PM. For more info, email [email protected]. 24051 Pavion.

Buy, Sell & Trade

Olds Ambassador trumpet: $200. 1976 model. Good condition. Not used in many years. Contact Keith: [email protected].

Handcrafted mahogany cabinet: $425. Beautiful Craftsman-style cabinet in excellent condition. Solid mahogany construction. Deep drawers, glass shelves for storage and display. Handcrafted stained glass on front doors and side panels. Three lights mounted inside to showcase your treasures. Height: 50”. Width: 46-1/2”. Depth: 19-1/4”. Contact Hazel: [email protected]

Potted Japanese maple tree: $100. Beautiful red foliage, perfect for patio or garden. Contact Lorene.

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].

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].