June 10, 2025

Good morning, Mission Viejo. Enough with the June Gloom, already. Bring on the sun! In this week’s Buzz:

City council balances budgets for 2025-27
Vandalism at City Hall
Street light maintenance tips
A better chocolate experience with Fihi Nutrition
Out and About
Weekly weather forecast

City Council balances its books

Mission Viejo's City Council has approved balanced operating budgets of $110.8 million for fiscal year 2025/26 and $111.6 million for 2026/27. The budgets align with the city's strategic goals, established in 2008 and refined in 2011, and support Mission Viejo's vision to remain one of California's safest communities while enhancing quality of life and environmental stewardship. Spending is organized into eight areas: General Government—Legislative; General Government—Management & Support; Public Safety; Community Development; Engineering & Transportation; Infrastructure Maintenance; Golf Operations; and Recreation, Community & Library Services. “I believe the proposed budget for 2025-27 successfully maintains the high level of services and programs important to the community as well as addresses the priorities of the City Council,” said city manager Elaine Lister.

NEWS BITS

Political graffiti at Mission Viejo City Hall

Orange County sheriff's deputies are investigating politically charged vandalism at Mission Viejo City Hall. The graffiti, reported on May 30, included "8647" and "Where's Young Kim" spray-painted on sidewalks near La Paz Rd and Marguerite Pkwy. According to authorities, "8647" is a reference to ousting the 47th president, Donald Trump, through violence, if necessary. The other message calls out Rep. Young Kim (R-Mission Viejo) for not heeding her constituents’ demand for a town hall meeting. Investigation of the incident, which has made national news, remains ongoing, with the FBI also involved.

Let there be light

Did you know Mission Viejo doesn't own its streetlights? San Diego Gas & Electric maintains lights south of La Paz Rd, while Southern California Edison (SCE) handles those to the north. To report outages, you’ll need to contact the respective utility company and know the streetlight pole number, usually found at the bottom of the pole.

SDGE: Email [email protected] or call (800) 411-7343.
SCE: Visit SCE or call (800) 655-4555.

Contact Mission Viejo Public Services at (949) 470-3095 for additional info, and keep in mind that the city can monitor repairs but actual maintenance is managed by the utility companies.

TGIF! $5 deals at Pavilions

Everyone loves Fridays, right? Now there’s another reason to count down to the end of the work week: $5 Fridays for members at the Pavilions on Marguerite Pkwy. The deals change every week, so you never know what you’ll find. This week, you can grab a pound of large California cherries, a 187-ml bottle of La Marca prosecco, eight pieces of fried, baked or mango habanero chicken, a pound of 90% lean ground beef, and much more. Not bad for an Abe!

Toast National Rosé Day

Celebrate wine's original superstar this Saturday, June 14. Dating back to 600 BC, rosé is the oldest known wine type. These beautifully blushing quaffs get their signature pink hue from the skin of red grapes. From bone-dry to bubbly sweet, there's a rosé for every palate. Our current favorite is the 2024 Sonoma County Rosé of Malbec from Matanzas Creek Winery.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Chocolate gets a wellness upgrade

Most of us know that blissful chocolate high you get from your favorite candy bar. Leave it to a food scientist to realize that chocolate can do even more heavy lifting. Suraj Meharwade’s three-year-old company, Fihi Nutrition, blends premium chocolate with organic, functional superfoods to create powerhouse treats that deliver a delightful sensory experience while nourishing your body. Vitality Turmeric Orange Chocolate pairs anti-inflammatory turmeric with zesty orange oil, while Relax Ashwagandha Vanilla promises stress relief in every bite. The caffeine-free Super Happy latte mix features coconut milk and saffron, the extract of which has shown the ability to support emotional well-being and a positive mood. Finally, chocolate that multitasks as hard as you do! Find Fihi Nutrition online and at the Mission Viejo Farmers Market.

OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

6/10, Fiesta Tuesday, Oso Creek Golf Course, 4-7 PMTuesdays are for themed dinner night in the Atrium. Enjoy Santa Maria barbecue street tacos (chicken, filet and pulled pork) and margaritas, along with complimentary chips and a salsa bar. Reservations not required. 27601 Casta Del Sol.
6/11, Vino & Veranda, Piccolino Ristorante, 5:30-6:45 PMEight wine tastes and sampler plates. $35 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required. More info. 28719 Los Aliso Blvd.
6/15, Father’s Day Golf Tournament, Oso Creek Golf Course, 8:30 AM-1:30 PMJoin the fun at the 4th annual Father’s Day shotgun scramble tourney. The $120 entry fee includes a cart, breakfast burrito, BBQ lunch and 20% off coupon for one item at the pro shop. Register here. 27601 Casta Del Sol.
6/15, Father’s Day Brunch, O’Neill’s Bar & Grill, 10 AM-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.
6/15, Heritage House Open House, 11 AM-1 PMOriginally a Mission Viejo Company new home sales center, Heritage House now serves as a place for visitors to learn about the people and events that made Mission Viejo “The California Promise.” History enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to attend this free event. Group tours can be scheduled at (949) 470-8488. Melinda Park, 28951 Melinda Rd.
6/15, Father’s Day Pickleball Tournament, Felipe Tennis and Rec Center, 2:30-4:30 PMTeam up with Dad to form your doubles team in this double-elimination tournament! Participants are encouraged to wear matching outfits for a chance to enter the best dressed competition. All levels welcome, and pickleball paddles are provided. $60 registration fee. More info and registration. 27161 Nogal.

Live Music

6/12, Music at the Veranda, Piccolino Ristorante, 6:30-8:30 PMSip, savor and sway to soulful tunes from Nick Justice, paired with Piccolino’s memorable Italian dishes. More info. 28719 Los Aliso Blvd.
6/13, Concerts on the Green, The Smith Band, 4-8 PMEnjoy an evening filled with live music from the Smith Band, a six-piece pop country group that blends your favorite country songs with Top 40 hits. The event also features bounce houses for kids, gourmet food trucks, beer and wine for purchase, and a Business Expo hosted by the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce. The Expo runs from 4-7 PM, and the concert begins at 6 PM. Concertgoers are welcome to bring low-back chairs and blankets but should leave their pets at home. More info. Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. 24932 Veterans Way.
Pub Thirty-Two, 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #26/13: Steven Shaw, 7-10 PM6/14: Mouhammed Bassaj, 7-8 PM

Buy, Sell & Trade

Antique Chinese rosewood coffee table: $300. Rosewood antique coffee table with four stools. There’s intricate carving on each stool, and on the edge and center of the table, which is covered by glass. Beautiful workmanship! Table: 18-1/4” diameter x 32” high. Stools: 12” diameter x 12-1/2” high. Cash only. Contact Patricia.

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].