July 8, 2025
Good morning, . Thought I would share that I just burned 2,000 calories. That’s the last time I forget to take the apple pie out of the oven! In this week’s Buzz:
Mission Viejo gets a flashy new fire station
CUSD’s transgender athlete resolution
Amaranth Legacy: a local home for writers
Discovering A Hidden Vine
Out and about
Weekly weather forecast
Fire Station 24:Out with the Old, In with the Bold
Mission Viejo's newest fire station is ready for action! The 14,455-square-foot Orange County Fire Authority Station 24 replaces a structure built in 1968 and is OCFA's first station rebuild since 2011. The striking two-story facility at 25862 Marguerite Pkwy can house up to 12 crew members and features four bays: two for fire trucks, one for a reserve rig, and another for reserve parking. With its modern noise-reduction and safety features, Station 24 makes a bold architectural statement while greatly enhancing OCFA’s ability to serve Mission Viejo and surrounding areas. A grand opening celebration for the public will be announced in the coming weeks.
NEWS BITS
Hot time at July 4th street faire
The heat was on at Mission Viejo’s annual July 4th Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular. On the hot early summer day, thousands of patriotic locals showed up to celebrate the holiday with vendors, food trucks, carnival games and kiddie slides. Multiple stages satisfied a variety of musical tastes, including the Freedom Stage, which featured live teen artists like The Hand Me Downs (pictured). And, of course, the day was capped off with an impressive fireworks show.
Amaranth Legacy: Where Stories Take Root
Creative souls know how difficult it can be to find an online sanctuary that nurtures your art instead of stifling it. Meet Amaranth Legacy—living proof that the best communities bloom close to home. Born in Mission Viejo, this independent writers’ community has quietly cultivated a global garden of diverse storytellers over the past decade. No ads, no drama—just pure creative oxygen for everything from intricate lore wikis to sweeping fantasy novellas and striking comics. Think of it as the internet’s best-kept secret, except we’re terrible at keeping secrets. Check it out.
Vacation peace of mind
Got summer vacation plans lined up but concerned about the safety of your home while you’re away? The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has your back with free vacation home checks. OC sheriff’s personnel and volunteers from Mission Viejo’s Senior Corps of Retirees (SCOR) will stop by your home to look for suspicious activity and ensure that no windows or doors have been opened or tampered with. To submit a vacation home check request, call SCOR at (949) 470-8433, Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM, at least seven days prior to your departure date. Vacation check request forms are also available here.
PEOPLE & PLACES
A Hidden Vine on the Lake makes discovering exceptional wines easy and fun. Its self-serve WineStation system lets you choose from 16 different wines and three pour sizes. The international selection changes daily, so there’s always something new to discover; last Sunday included both a refreshing 2022 Weixelbaum Grüner Veltliner from Austria and a bold 2019 Scarlett Cabernet Reserve from Napa Valley. Come across a bottle you just have to take home? Simply grab it at the on-site wine shop. Small bites and top-notch charcuterie boards—enjoyed indoors or on the covered patio overlooking Lake Mission Viejo—round out the experience. More info. 27772 Vista Del Lago, Ste B-15.
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OUT AND ABOUT
Happenings
7/8, 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.
7/11, “As You Like It,” 7 PMShakespeare by the Sea presents William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy under the stars on the field next to Newhart Middle School. Bring picnics, blankets and low beach chairs for the free performance. More info. 25001 Veterans Way.
7/12, Mission Viejo Farmers Market, 9 AM-1 PMShop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. North Paseo at Los Osos. 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.
7/14, Wild Wonders Animal Show, 2-3 PMDiscover the mysterious rainforest dwellers of South America in this free show for all ages. No registration required. More info. 200 Civic Center.
Live Music
7/10, 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.
7/12, The Original Wailers, Lake Mission Viejo, 7 PMGroove to the Grammy-nominated Original Wailers band, which draws its inspiration from reggae legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Singer/songwriter Bernie Larsen opens the show, with the Wailers taking the stage around 8 PM. More info. 22555 Olympiad Rd.
Pub Thirty-Two, 7-10 PM, 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #27/11: Steven Shaw7/12: Scott Gronsky
Buy, Sell & Trade
2014 Black Honda Civic EXL sedan: $8,900Power steering, AM/FM/CD, Bluetooth wireless, alarm system, AC, keyless start/entry, power windows/door locks, heated seats, leather seats, power seat, cruise control, backup camera, dual airbags, moonroof, alloy wheels. 147,000 miles. Always garaged when not driving. Contact Bettina.
Complete bedroom set: $700Whitewashed wood bed frame with headboard, matching nightstand and five-drawer dresser. Stearns & Foster queen mattress and box springs included. Over $4,000 brand new. Contact Beverly.
Vintage Chanel boots: $500Authentic vintage black Chanel boots in good condition. European size 36. Offers considered. Contact Dee.
Handcrafted mahogany cabinet: $425Beautiful Craftsman-style cabinet in excellent condition. Solid mahogany construction. Deep drawers, glass shelves for storage and display. Handcrafted stained glass on front doors and side panels. Three lights mounted inside. H 50” x W 46-1/2” x D 19-1/4”. Contact Hazel.
Vintage Carriggs of Carmel armchairs: $150Elegant red patterned upholstery with dark wood frame. Contact Hazel.
Joola ping pong table: $150Lightly 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.
Steven Maslach wine glasses: $100Set of two hand-crafted and signed gold iridescent wine glasses by artist Steven Maslach. Dated 1985. 6 oz each. Contact Mike.
Vintage Jewel Tea Set: $50Includes teapot, pitchers, salt and pepper shakers and plates with floral design. Contact Helen.
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].
Your Weekly Forecast
THANKS FOR READING THE BUZZ!
I binged on Led Zeppelin while working on this week’s Buzz. Does that mean I have good taste in music or am I just old? I’m guessing the latter. Enjoy the issue!
Keith Lissak
Publisher/Editor
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