June 2, 2026

Hi, . Grocery shopping these days has turned meal planning into a high-stakes game of financial roulette. Somehow, “just a few things” now costs more than dinner out. In this week’s Buzz:

Mission Viejo’s popular free summer concert series returns to the Village Green next month, bringing live music, family fun and four nights of entertainment to Oso Viejo Park. Family Style opens the season with blues, soul and rock, followed by Tijuana Dogs (pictured) on July 17 and Common Sense on July 31. The series wraps August 8 with Pacific Symphony’s popular Symphony in the Cities concert. June and July concerts run 6–8 PM and feature bounce houses and food trucks, plus beer and wine for purchase. Bring low-back chairs and blankets, leave pets at home, and reserve VIP tables online. More info.

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Providence Mission Hospital and the Leonard Cancer Institute oncology team want the public to know there is empowered living after a cancer diagnosis. “Hope, Healing and Life Beyond Cancer” is a free morning event this Saturday, June 6, featuring educational talks from trusted experts, uplifting stories from cancer survivors, and a powerful celebration of strength, resilience and survivorship. A heartwarming dove release concludes the event at noon. Registration required. More info. 📍 Leonard Cancer Center, 27799 Medical Center Rd.

For more than three decades, South Coast Conservatory has been nurturing dancers and building dreams. Its 34th Annual Summer Festival provides an opportunity for SCC’s talented dancers to step into the spotlight. Taking place June 15–20 at Capistrano Valley High School, the festival showcases students from across SCC’s dance programs. Performances include the spring ballet Cinderella, an exhibition of pre-professional ballet dancers, a high-energy aerial show, and the performing arts spectacular Wonderland. “After months of hard work in the studio, there’s nothing like the feeling of dancing under the lights and hearing the crowd roar,” said SCC CEO/director Jena Minnick-Bull. “Our Summer Festival gives our students the ultimate stage to shine.” More info.

In the Blues Brothers movie, when Jake tries to explain why he stood up his ex-fiancee at the altar, he rambles: “I ran outta gas. I had a flat tire. I didn’t have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn’t come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from outta town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake, a terrible flood, locusts! It wasn’t my fault, I swear to God!” In last week’s article about the Jake Blues statue at Audi Mission Viejo, we wrote that it’s just off Interstate 5 near Crown Valley Pkwy, when it’s actually off Avery Pkwy. Unlike Jake, we have no good excuse—we simply got the exit wrong.

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In Chinese culture, the number eight symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. So when Paula Hurtado, a native of Peru, and her husband, Benny Ngai, from Hong Kong, opened their coffee shop in January, blending her Latin American heritage with that auspicious number was a natural choice. The result is Ocho Coffee & Patisserie on Marguerite Pkwy, a neighborhood café with an international soul, dedicated to exceptional coffee and artisan-crafted pastries. Chef and partner Paul Rivera delivers on that promise. His eye-catching baked goods perfectly complement Ocho’s coffee, made from beans sourced in Honduras and Mexico. It all adds up to something rare: a truly multicultural experience in the heart of Mission Viejo. 📍 25106 Marguerite Pkwy, Ste B.

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Students at Mission Viejo schools have earned recognition for outstanding achievement through the county’s Advancement Via Individual Determination program, which helps prepare students for college and career readiness. Mission Viejo High’s Brianna Lopez and Trabuco Hills High’s Valeria Casillas Govea were honored as AVID Senior Standouts from the Class of 2026, with Lopez and fellow Mission Viejo student Armando Martinez also receiving surprise scholarships. Eighth-grade standouts (pictured) Bradi Kenney of La Paz Intermediate School and Nathalie May Bitun of Los Alisos Intermediate School were also recognized, each receiving a new laptop for academic achievement, perseverance and dedication to success.

Trabuco Hills High School senior Sofia Simon (pictured, center) was named the Saddleback Valley Unified School District Student of the Year at the 2026 Coastline ROP Senior Student Showcase on May 15. The annual event at Newport Harbor High School celebrated nearly 200 nominated students across four partner districts for excellence in career technical education, leadership and community inspiration. Sofia earned the honor through her outstanding work in Coastline ROP’s Administration of Justice/CSI pathway, reflecting her dedication to hands-on, career-focused learning and her commitment to building a future in the field.

🐶 🐱 Critter Corner is Coming! 🐰 🐹

Local School Lowdown is heading off for summer break, but something fun is taking its place. Next week, the Buzz debuts Critter Corner, a brand-new section celebrating the pets we love right here in Mission Viejo. Furry, feathery, scaly or anything in between—all creatures great and small are welcome! Want to see your pet in the spotlight? Send a photo and a few words about what makes your companion one of a kind to [email protected] and we’ll take it from there.

$1,800,000, 5 beds, 3 baths, 2,797 sq. ft.

Featuring a welcoming floor plan with a downstairs bedroom and full bath, this home in the guard-gated Stoneridge community impresses with stylish upgrades throughout. The remodeled kitchen offers quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, subway tile backsplash, and a double pantry with custom pullouts. Wide plank laminate flooring flows through main living areas alongside professionally refinished cabinetry. Updated bathrooms feature quartz counters and modern finishes. The primary suite boasts a frameless walk-in shower and freestanding soaking tub. Extras include low-E windows, plantation shutters, a whole house fan, a three-car tandem garage, and a beautifully landscaped backyard with patio cover and surround sound. More info.

Listing agent: Angela Kaufman, (949) 939-7925, Kaufman Property Group

Have an event you want to list? Simply send your info, including contact details, to [email protected].

Our local schools are wrapping up the school year, which means the Class of 2026 is officially graduating. Many local seniors have earned awards for academic excellence, which you can read about in this week’s Local School Lowdown. A big congrats to these scholars—and to all graduates!

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

Copyright (C) 2026 | Lissak Communications. All rights reserved.

Proofreader: Stella Lissak

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