June 3, 2025

Hello, Mission Viejo. Last week of school for many of our kids… let summer begin! In this week’s Buzz:

Second annual Mission Viejo Pride festival coming to Saddleback College
Capo High breaks ground on new stadium
Automated license plate readers on the way
27 years of magic for Top Hat Balloon Werks
A bite of the Big Apple here in MV
Out and About
Weekly weather forecast

Pride Returns Bigger and Brighter

The second annual Mission Viejo Pride festival promises fun for the entire family.

The second annual Mission Viejo Pride festival is set to double in size from last year’s inaugural event, with organizers expecting more than 4,000 attendees on June 21 at Saddleback College. The festival lets residents stand in support of their LGBTQ+ neighbors and show that Mission Viejo is a city for all. “Hosting a Pride event provides an opportunity to educate the general population about LGBTQ+ issues, with the hope of gaining a greater sense of acceptance of and empathy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. These goals are just as important as making LGBTQ+ persons and their family members feel accepted, valued and safe,” said Joshua Vecchino, Mission Viejo’s community service commissioner. The theme of this year's event is "Community for All," and attendees can enjoy live music, dancing, food trucks, local vendors, educational booths and family-friendly activities. Hours: 12-4 PM. More info.

NEWS BITS

Capo breaks ground on new stadium

Construction is underway on Capistrano Valley High School's $21.5 million stadium replacement, with completion targeted for May 2026. The modern facility will boost seating capacity from 1,886 to 2,750 and features upgraded bleachers, a press box with elevator access, team rooms and a weight room. The six-acre project also includes a resurfaced track, improved fencing and advanced sound system. Funding is through a combination of state matching funds and remaining city of Mission Viejo redevelopment funds.

Rendering of the new stadium at Capistrano Valley High School.

Solar-powered license plate reader from Flock Safety, coming soon to Mission Viejo.

What the flock is LPR?

The Mission Viejo City Council recently voted to purchase a Flock Safety automated license plate reader (LPR) system, used to capture vehicle data to help solve and prevent crime. The technology provides real-time alerts about missing persons and child abduction cases, and assists with criminal investigations. While some residents have raised privacy and civil rights concerns, LPR systems have been widely adopted—they’re currently used by 26 Orange County cities and more than 2,000 police departments nationwide, including the Orange County Sheriff's Department—demonstrating their effectiveness in data-driven policing.

Maternity tours at Mission Hospital

Expecting a little one? Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo invites you to participate in its Maternity Tour, designed to provide essential information and guidance ahead of your delivery. The small-group tour format offers a personalized look at the hospital’s Birth Center, including available services, educational classes, support programs and breastfeeding resources. Attendees also receive important details on pre-admission procedures. Click here for dates and times.

Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo

PEOPLE & PLACES

27 years of balloon magic

Amanda Armstrong knows a thing or two about making special events pop. Now 27 years strong, her full-service party planning and special event decoration business, Top Hat Balloon Werks, turns celebrations into unforgettable experiences. The secret recipe? Quality that doesn't deflate, authentic customer connections, and knowing when to delegate without losing your standards. That’s not just hot air. “You can't be hospitable if you're hostile,” said Amanda. “Great parties require great relationships!” Call Top Hat at (949) 370-1355 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more.

Balloon elf made by the team at Top Hat Balloon Werks.

The Boss sandwich from Bronx Sandwich Co., now in Mission Viejo.

Big Apple flavor comes to MV

Skip the five-hour flight, Mission Viejo! Bronx Sandwich Co. has arrived, slinging authentic New York deli-style sandwiches that'll make you forget you're in SoCal. Dip into East Coast pastrami, reubens and cold hoagies like the Boss, piled high with mortadella, capocolla, salami, provolone and veg on a fresh-baked roll smeared with olive spread. It’s da bomb. Don’t forget to save room for a black and white cookie! (949) 503-1080. 28201 Marguerite Pkwy.

OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

6/3, Fiesta Tuesday, Oso Creek Golf Course, 4-7 PMTuesdays are for themed dinner night in the Atrium. This week: Santa Maria barbecue street tacos (chicken, filet and pulled pork) $3 each. Margaritas $5. Complimentary chips and salsa bar. Reservations not required. 27601 Casta Del Sol.
6/4, Bienvenue a Bordeaux wine dinner, Pub Thirty-Two, 6:30 PMFour-course meal with wine pairings from Bordeaux. Reserve your seat for an unforgettable culinary experience. $125 per person. More info. (949) 716-0867. 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2.
6/6, Recreation Center Open HouseSwim, tour the facilities, hang out on the deck and learn about the amenities at both of Mission Viejo’s rec and fitness centers: Sierra (26887 Recodo Ln.) and Montanoso (25800 Montanoso Dr.). Refreshments available for purchase, including a food truck at Montanoso. Visit Sierra from 12-4 PM and Montanoso from 3-7 PM. More info.
6/6-7, Friends of the Library Summer Book SaleTwo-day event with thousands of books available, as well as vinyl LPs, CDs and DVDs. Friday, 6/6: 1-4:30 PM. Saturday, 6/7: 10 AM-4 PM. Mission Viejo Library, 100 Civic Center.
6/7, Santa Margarita Water District Water Festival, 10 AM-1 PMEnjoy a fun day for the whole family learning about H2O. Experience a living tide pool, explore the WaterWorks Garden, and speak with garden pros and water district experts. You can also view the movie, “The Journey of Water,” and sign up for an SMWD infrastructure tour. SMWD Headquarters, 26111 Antonio Pkwy.
6/7, Adopt-a-Pet Day, Mission Viejo Animal ServicesAdopt a pet in need instead of buying one, and you can save lives and help to reduce the demand for irresponsible breeding practices. Staff will be there to pair each animal with a suitable, caring owner, ensuring that every pet receives the attention and love they deserve. All adoption fees waived for approved applicants. More info. (949) 470-3045. 28095 Hillcrest.

Entertainment

Live Music, Pub Thirty-Two, 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #26/6: Identity Crisis, 7-10 PM6/7: Steven Shaw, 7-8 PM

Buy, Sell & Trade

2012 Chevy Tahoe 2WD LT: $7,900. 227,000 miles. Very well maintained. Newer transmission, power steering, shocks, brakes and tires. (949) 500-3895.

Thomas Kinkade creche (manger) with figurines: $125. Deluxe set with all of the figurines and animals. Hard-to-find collectible beautifully done by Hawthorne Village. Original containers. Contact Cheryl.

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

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.

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].