June 24, 2025

Good morning, Mission Viejo. A lot of live music coming this week! You’ll find it in this week’s Buzz, as well as:

Starlink rocket soars over SoCal
Firefighters save home on Apehna
Pride and inclusivity shines at Saddleback
Venezuelan food comes north to MV Farmers Market
Out and about
Weekly weather forecast

Front-row seats to spectacular space show

TV watching on the night of June 16 got an upgrade when SpaceX lit up our pristine evening sky just after sundown. Taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, the company’s Falcon 9 rocket treated residents across SoCal to a spectacular space show as it headed to low Earth orbit. This wasn't just any launch. Dubbed Starlink 15-9, the 200th mission from Vandenberg deployed 26 Starlink satellites. The rocket's first stage even stuck its landing on a platform in the Pacific Ocean like a space-age gymnast. Sometimes the best entertainment is absolutely free—and literally out of this world.

NEWS BITS

House saved from blaze on Apehna

Orange County firefighters successfully contained a garage fire on the evening of June 15 in the 24000 block of Apehna Ave. The blaze was reported just before 8 PM. Thanks to their quick response, the firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to the attached two-story home. The cause remains under investigation. The fire serves as a strong reminder to make sure your smoke alarms work properly and fire extinguishers are easily reachable.

Inclusivity shines at MV Pride

The winds of acceptance swept through Saddleback College on Saturday during the second annual Mission Viejo Pride festival. Thousands of local residents gathered to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusivity and demonstrate that there's a place for everyone in our community. Food trucks, local vendors (including Mission Viejo Buzz), live music and brilliant blue skies all contributed to the festival's joyful atmosphere. Many Pride attendees extended the celebration by visiting the Mission Viejo Beach Bash Night Market afterward, keeping the good vibes flowing throughout this special day.

Take your best shot

Got pix of Mission Viejo magic? The city wants to see it. Whether it's that perfect sunset over the lake, your kids conquering the playground, or your favorite corner of our beautiful community, we're looking for photos that capture what makes Mission Viejo special. Submit your best shot and you could see it featured during the August 26 City Council meeting and across the city’s website and social media. In addition, Mayor Bob Ruesch will pick his personal favorite, and that photographer scores a city gift bag. Submitted photos should be less than 20 MB, and the recommended dimensions are 16:9. Click here for the Photo Contest entry form.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Venezuelan bites at VenCheez

Forget everything you know about cheese sticks. Gabriela Morin's VenCheez serves up authentic cheesy Venezuelan comfort food that'll transport your taste buds straight to Caracas. Her handmade arepas—gluten-free corn pockets stuffed with beef, chicken and specialty California white cheese—are the real deal, while chachitos—fluffy artisan rolls stuffed with ham or spinach—are like biting into edible clouds. But the real party-starters? Tequeños in flavors from classic cheese to chocolate, best served with herbed sauce and spicy mayo. Since launching in September 2024, this woman-owned business has been wowing Mission Viejo Farmers Market attendees with simple, clean ingredients and Venezuelan love.

OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

6/24, 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.
6/25, Trivia Night, Oso Creek Golf Course, 6-8 PMCourtney Clothier's trivia nights offer the perfect mix of brain-teasers and laughs! It’s free to play, but no phones allowed. Grab up to five friends and compete for prizes awarded to the top three teams. Come for the trivia, stay for the music and good times! Food and drinks available for purchase. More info. 27601 Casta Del Sol.

Live Music

6/26, Symphony to Go, Napoli Park, 6:30-7:30 PMEnjoy Pacific Symphony's Woodwind Quartet led by clarinetist Josh Ranz. Feel free to set up beach chairs and blankets up to an hour in advance and enjoy pre-concert fun. 27682 Napoli Way.
6/26, 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, #26/27: Anesha Rose, 7-10 PM6/28: Joe Hickey, 7-10 PM
6/28, Haley Copello, Montanoso Rec Center, 1-4 PMRelax and enjoy live music on the pool deck with Haley Copello on vocals and Ashley Ventri on acoustic guitar playing classic and funk pop songs. A food truck will be on site selling food and beer. No registration required. 25800 Montanoso Dr.
6/28, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Lake Mission Viejo, 7 PMThey were once the top band in the world. Now, 1960s & ‘70s hitmakers Blood, Sweat & Tears are hitting the stage right here in Mission Viejo. Learn how to participate in the optional 6 AM seating lottery or stop by the lake at 8 AM on concert day to place a blanket and chairs in an available spot. 22555 Olympiad Rd.
6/28, Lord of the Strings: Clive Carroll, City Hall Council Chamber, 7-9 PMClive Carroll is a renowned acoustic guitar player known for his unique tone and versatility. He’s released four solo albums and toured globally with guitar legends like Tommy Emmanuel and John Williams. Tickets: $40. More info. 200 Civic Center.

Buy, Sell & Trade

Tesla Model Y Performance: $33,250Pearl white, black trim, red brakes, 21” uberturbine wheels, carbon fiber spoiler, AWD, dual motors, long-range battery, premium interior. Warrantied through July 2028 or 120k miles. No accidents, dents or dings. Clean title. Willing to help lower registration fees and taxes. Contact Jeff.

Vintage Chanel boots: $500Authentic vintage Chanel boots in good condition. European size 36. Offers considered. Contact Dee.

Bassett side table: $80Elegant Bassett side table with bronze metal base wood top and full-grain leather inlay. Was $600 new. Dimensions: L 24.5”, W 12.5”, H 25”. Contact Aaron.

Beige sofa: $350Beautiful deep seating beige sofa in very good condition with down back cushions and down-wrapped high-density seat cushions. Cushion covers are removable for easy cleaning. Paid over $1,600 new. Contact Aaron.

Bernardaud Gemme Gris bone china: $350Seven place settings: dinner plates, salad plates, bread plates, saucers and tea cups. Three soup bowls. Never used. Contact Michelle.

Snowboard: $200Special edition snowboard with a Tim Salmon Golf Classic logo and signed by Tim. Contact James.

Joola ping pong table: $175Lightly 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.

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 to [email protected].