July 15, 2025
Good morning, . July 20 marks the 56th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon. I once wanted to be the first kid on the moon but missed the launch. Guess I had spaced out. In this week’s Buzz:
Get ready for an epic smoke-out
SouthOC4Democracy rally
Elder fraud awareness
New location for the Empanada Maker
Out and about
Weekly weather forecast
“Meat and Greet” at the BBQ Music Fest
Prepare to loosen your belt buckles, folks! The BBQ Music Festival will bring three days of smoky perfection to Oso Viejo Community Park, July 25-27, and your taste buds are gonna have a rockin’ good time. Award-winning pitmasters will duke it out with local grillers in the ultimate barbecue smackdown. Between sampling fiery chicken, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled pork, sausages and a mess of sides, you can catch live entertainment, belt out the hits in the karaoke lounge, learn moves at dance lessons, and let the kids hit carnival rides. Local artisans, roaming cowboys, cool critters and cantinas round out the fun. Come hungry, stay for the music, and vote for the best BBQ. Friday, July 25, 5-10 PM; Saturday, July 26, 12-10 PM; Sunday, July 27, 12-8 PM. Volunteers needed. More info and tickets. 24932 Veterans Way.
NEWS BITS
Dems rally at City Hall
Despite the warm summer temperature, opponents of Congresswoman Young Kim and the Trump administration rallied outside City Hall on Wednesday, July 9. Organized by SouthOC4Democracy, the gathering featured guest speakers including New York Times best-selling author Jeff Pearlman (pictured). Orange County Sheriff’s deputies confirmed the demonstration was peaceful and lawful, noting it complied with requirements not to impede traffic or encourage violence. The group has committed to picketing each Wednesday from 11 AM to 1 PM at the corner of Marguerite Pkwy and La Paz Rd. More info.
Elder fraud on the rise
Americans of all ages reported $16.6 billion stolen through internet scams and fraud in 2024—a 43% increase over 2023, according to the FBI—with older Americans disproportionately victimized. A 73-year-old Laguna Woods woman was recently the target of an elaborate scheme that convinced her to withdraw $20,000 from two Bank of America branches and overnight the cash to the perpetrator. “It’s taking a lot of courage to come forward, but if this helps one person, it’s worth it,” the victim said. If you or someone you know age 60 or older has experienced financial fraud, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Cash in on your loose change
Many of us have a stash of loose change gathering dust in a back corner of the closet or dresser drawer. With the use of cash becoming a rare activity these days, those coins likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. You could wrap them and take them to the bank, but who’s got the time for that? You could take them to a Coinstar kiosk and pay a service fee of 12.9% or more, plus an additional $0.99 transaction fee. Or you can simply sell your pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters by the pound to local businessman Kevin Hurley, long-time owner of Mission Viejo Transmission & Auto Repair. Kevin will pay you $7 per pound of coins in any condition—no counting, wrapping or service fees involved. Contact him at (949) 300-9279.
PEOPLE & PLACES
The great empanada migration
The Empanada Maker has set out to prove that sometimes a fresh start is just down the street. After weathering a perfect storm of pandemic slowdowns and La Paz Rd construction chaos at their old location, the Argentinian eatery decided to roll with the punches—literally rolling their flaky, golden pockets of joy to a new spot at La Paz and Marguerite Pkwy, right next to the UPS Store. From breakfast to dessert empanadas, plus specialty creations and those irresistible dipping sauces, sides and salads, they’re ready to win over old fans and new neighbors alike. More info. 25108 Marguerite Pkwy, #B.
Step up to the plate at Baseballism
You’re up! Baseballism, a lifestyle brand celebrating the history, class and tradition of baseball, has opened a new store at the Shops at Mission Viejo. The Grand Opening Event is planned for this Saturday, July 19, at 10 AM, and offers shoppers a free ball cap with every purchase of $100 or more (while supplies last). Located on Level 1 near Dick’s Sporting Goods, the Baseballism store features apparel and accessories for men, women, youth and toddlers, plus an extensive line of glove leather bags and wallets. More info. 555 The Shops At Mission Viejo.
Have friends and neighbors who you think would enjoy the Buzz? Click below to share it with them.
OUT AND ABOUT
Happenings
7/15, 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.
7/19, 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.
7/19, Night Market, 5-9 PMIt’s Stars and Stripes time at the Night Market. Enjoy live entertainment, games, food, beer, wine and crafts vendors. North Paseo at Los Osos. 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.
Live Music
7/16, Big Band Swing Thing, Saddleback College, 6:30-9:30 PMDance the night away to big band classics performed by Joey Sellers and the Saddleback College Big Band. Refreshments (included with all tickets) begin at 6:30 PM, doors open at 7 PM. More info. McKinney Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy.
7/17, 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.
7/18, Concerts on the Green, The 805 Social Club, Norman P. Murray Community Center, 6-8 PMEnjoy a non-stop musical journey through the history of pop music with the 805 Social Club. Gourmet food trucks, beer and wine, bounce houses for the kids. Bring low-back chairs and blankets. VIP table seating for 10 people available for purchase. More info. 24932 Veterans Way.
7/18, The Evening Beat, Oso Creek Golf Course, 6-8 PMListen to big band swing in the atrium with the Evening Beat, a hip jazz quartet featuring vocalist Mark Kopitze of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Cocktails and special menu available. More info. 27601 Casta del Sol.
Pub Thirty-Two, 7-10 PM, 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #27/18: Carmela7/19: Dan Forster
Buy, Sell & Trade
2006 Winnebago Aspect 29H motorhome: $29,990Winnebago Aspect 29H Class C RV. Less than 45,000 miles and 200 hours on generator. Original upholstery in good condition. Kitchen equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave/convection oven and plenty of storage. Private rear bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink. Living area includes a dinette, sofa and entertainment center. Many upgrades. Must see! Contact Larry.
Echelon exercise bike: $560Echelon Connect EX-3 indoor cycling bike in excellent condition. Contact Steve.
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.
Recliner: $300Beige leather recliner, perfect condition. Contact Anneli.
Vintage Carriggs of Carmel armchairs: $150Elegant red patterned upholstery with dark wood frame. Contact Hazel.
Specialized Epic FSR Pro mountain bike: $1352004, large frame, 26” tires. Contact John.
Joola ping pong table: $125Lightly 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.
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!
Know someone here in Mission Viejo with a remarkable life story? We’d love to feature them in the Buzz! Send us an email to get the ball rolling: [email protected].
Keith Lissak
Publisher/Editor
Copyright (C) 2025 | Lissak Communications. All rights reserved.
Proofreader: Stella LissakWant to change how you receive these emails?
You can unsubscribe.