June 17, 2025

Good morning, Mission Viejo. Come join us at Mission Viejo Pride on Saturday! In this week’s Buzz:

USA Diving Junior Nationals
Teen heroes honored
Hot tips for buying a used car
Fuel-only Costco gas station coming to MV
Remarkable resident Wally Turner
Out and about
Weekly weather forecast

Future diving stars coming to Mission Viejo

The future of American diving will unfold in our backyard! After 17 years, the 2025 USA Diving Junior National Championships is returning to Mission Viejo. From July 25-August 3, more than 600 of America's top young divers will compete at the Marguerite Aquatic Center in diving's most prestigious junior competition. This isn't just about medals—it's about dreams and Team USA spots. Every twist, turn and perfect entry determines which athletes will represent the United States at international junior meets. “With the Los Angeles Games on the horizon, this event represents a crucial steppingstone for our young athletes, showcasing the future of our sport,” said USA Diving president Lee Michaud. “We anticipate this championship will be the highlight of the summer for divers and fans alike.” Click here for schedule and tickets.

NEWS BITS

Costco bringing discount gas to Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo will soon host Costco's largest and first fuel-only location. The 40-pump gas station is planned for the Mission Viejo Freeway Center just off Interstate 5, replacing the former Bed, Bath & Beyond store. City officials approved the plans in March, with construction expected to begin this fall and opening planned for spring 2026. The members-only station will offer no retail space—just Costco's competitively priced Kirkland fuel. This location joins two existing Costco gas stations in Laguna Niguel, reflecting strong local demand for cheaper fuel options. 25732 El Paseo.

Teen heroes honored for daring rescue

Eighteen-year-olds Caden Bunge and Hudson Moline recently received Certificates of Heroism from the Mission Viejo City Council for their life-saving actions last summer. On the evening of August 31, 2024, Caden and Hudson encountered thick smoke pouring out of a crashed car at Alicia Pkwy and Via Aurora. The boys instinctively pulled an unconscious man from the driver's seat, then heard screams and returned to the car to rescue a woman with broken ankles as flames surrounded her. Fire Captain Chris Trokey of Orange Country Fire Station 31 confirmed: “Caden and Hudson 100% saved these two people's lives.” Representatives from Senator Catherine Blakespear, Congresswoman Young Kim and Orange County Supervisors also honored the duo at the Council meeting.

Smart Used Car Buying

In his 36 years in business, Kevin Hurley, owner of Mission Viejo Transmission & Auto Repair, has seen it all. He offers this sage advice to avoid being taken for a ride when buying a used car: 1) Stay away from a vehicle with a “salvage” title. That “great deal” might be a previously totaled car playing dress-up. 2) Make sure the car has a current smog certificate. If not, you could inherit a very expensive surprise just down the road, like the need for a new catalytic converter. 3) Insist on a pre-purchase inspection at an independent repair shop. Seller says no? That's your cue to say goodbye. Remember, a few hundred dollars in inspection fees beats thousands in hidden repairs. Your wallet may thank you later! Mission Viejo Transmission & Auto Repair. 27220 La Paz Rd.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Delightful dumplings at Farmers Market

Chinese dumplings are having a moment! These delectable treats are all the rage, and Taste of Asia is doing its part to satisfy the craving. The popular vendor at the Mission Viejo Farmers Market serves up hot and juicy shumai, BBQ pork buns, shrimp dumplings and other savory steamed specialties. Pro tip: dip everything in the addictive spicy chili crunch sauce! Sweet-tooths shouldn't miss the adorable piggy-shaped buns filled with silky custard—each bite delivers the perfect balance of fluffy dough and rich filling. Find Taste of Asia most Saturdays at the Farmers Market on Marguerite Pkwy.

Wally Turner still swinging at 91

When Wally Turner arrived in Mission Viejo in 1970, our community had exactly one traffic sign, at the intersection of La Paz Rd and Chrisanta Dr. Today, at 91, this remarkable resident still tees it up regularly at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. Originally from Hollywood and a relative of legendary actress Lana Turner, Wally's journey wound through Chicago to the Navy's blimp squadron at Lakehurst, New Jersey, the same base where the Hindenburg met its fiery end. As an aerial lookout searching for unknown aircraft, he survived his own dramatic blimp crash in 1957, spending months recovering. After moving back to SoCal, Wally married and raised three children in Mission Viejo. Five decades later, he's witnessed our city transform from rural farmland to thriving community—and he's still perfecting his golf swing!

OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

6/17, Fiesta Tuesday, Oso Creek Golf Course, 4-7 PMTuesday nights are for dinner in the Atrium. Enjoy Santa Maria-style chicken, filet and pulled pork barbecue street tacos, margaritas, complimentary chips and a salsa bar. Reservations not required. 27601 Casta Del Sol.
6/18, DeLille Cellars Wine Tasting, Wineworks for Everyone, 5:30-7:30 PMDeLille Cellars is regarded as a top American producer of Bordeaux-style blends, showcasing a tradition of quality and excellence over its 30-year history. DeLille assistant winemaker Mari Rossi will be on hand to share five of the vintner’s world-class wines. $30 per tasting. Call to reserve your spot: (949) 582-0026. 26342 Oso Pkwy.
6/21, Mission Viejo Pride, Saddleback College, 12-4 PMThe second annual Mission Viejo Pride festival showcases the way our community values diversity and inclusivity. The event will feature resources for families and fun activities including arts and crafts, games, a magician and live music by Pulp Vixen and Men Alive. Food trucks will have food for purchase. More info. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy.

Live Music

6/19, Music at the Veranda, Piccolino Ristorante, 6:30-8:30 PMSip, savor and sway to soulful tunes, paired with Piccolino’s memorable Italian dishes. More info. 28719 Los Aliso Blvd.
Pub Thirty-Two, 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #26/20: Jake Hitt, 7-10 PM6/21: Dan Forster, 7-10 PM

Buy, Sell & Trade

Joola ping pong table: $200. Lightly used professional MDF indoor table with Quick Clamp net and post set. Tournament quality. Foldable with wheels for easy transport and storage. Paddles and balls included. Contact Keith.

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.

Graco high chair with detachable booster seat: $60.Suitable for infants and toddlers. Only used for one child. Contact Amy.

Girls bicycle: $40Cute girls bike in great condition with a pink basket and flower. Tires and brakes are very good. Rides super smooth. Contact Stephen.

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!

Hi, folks. It’s great to see so many of you joining local protests these days, no matter what side you’re on, but please remember to always keep the discourse civil and your actions nonviolent.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor