August 12, 2025

Good morning, . It was so hot last week, our  dog Bridget was chasing our cat Lola and they were both walking! Then they both passed out. In this week’s Buzz:

A 49-year-old Mission Viejo woman pleaded not guilty on August 4 to one count of theft and six counts of embezzlement for stealing more than $350,000 from an elderly couple in Laguna Beach. Debbie Ysah Rice worked as a personal assistant to the victims, handling daily tasks, payroll and household purchases. She allegedly used bank cards and checks to fraudulently obtain money and goods over several years. According to court documents, the stolen funds were used for vacations, hotel stays, family expenses and even Rice’s wedding. Rice was “very proficient in her ability to siphon funds from her victims in various ways, all while remaining undetected for several years,” said Orange County Sheriff’s investigator Robert Rockwell. “She was able to earn and maintain the trust of two elderly individuals, while at the same time steal from them.” Rice was due back in court yesterday to formally face charges.

Thousands of locals set up their picnics at Oso Viejo Community Park on Saturday evening to hear the Pacific Symphony orchestra perform a potpourri of popular classics, show tunes and patriotic songs. Led by assistant conductor Jacob Sustaita, the Symphony in the Cities concert included selections from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story and Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, “Edelweiss” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, and John Williams’ “Flying Theme” from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Vocalists Michael O’Halloran and Jessica Choi also thrilled the audience with a re-enactment of the balcony scene from West Side Story, just one of the evening’s many highlights. Fireworks and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” closed out the magical show.

Pinhole water leaks popping up at home? Discolored water that tastes like a swimming pool? Water pressure that’s weaker than your morning coffee? If any of this sounds familiar, aging pipes might be the culprit. Joe Ferris, owner of Mission Viejo’s Ferris Family Plumbing, sees it constantly: “Many homes here were originally plumbed with thin-walled Type M copper pipes, which typically last about 30 years,” he says. “If your home is one of them, it's time for an inspection.” The stakes are real—ignoring the warning signs could cost you tens of thousands in water damage repairs. But here’s the silver lining: new pipes not only prevent disasters, they boost your home’s value when it’s time to sell. Not to mention the crystal-clear fresh water you’ll be enjoying straight from your faucets.

A groundbreaking mobile research unit made its West Coast debut in Mission Viejo on Saturday, August 9, at Mount of Olives Church. The Healthy Brain Clinic launched the unit to improve access to brain health education and services. With 12% of Californians currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the mobile unit aims to lower barriers for understudied and underserved communities to participate in Alzheimer’s clinical trials. Pre-screening visits of 30-45 minutes were provided for those at risk for Alzheimer’s or who are experiencing memory concerns. “Brain health education is urgently needed, and bringing information and screening into the community is a fantastic step forward,” said Dr. Dung Trinh, chief medical officer of the Healthy Brain Clinic.

The Kaleidoscope entertainment complex may be going through hard times, but a handful of small businesses are intent on changing its fortunes. The 1982 Candle Co. is one of them. The brainchild of Tinea and Vic Ruiz, this three-year-old retail studio sells handmade scented candles that inspire deeper connections through home fragrance. “We blend oils to create our own unique scents and love the soft vibe our products give off,” says Tinea. “Scent should complement your space, not overpower it.” Customers can do more than find soothing fragrances—they can also follow their own inspiration through the company's candle-making classes. Light one up today! Added bonus: Mission Viejo Buzz readers receive a 15% discount when purchasing products on the 1982 Candle Co. website using code MVBUZZ15.

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It’s back-to-school week for many kids. Expect more street traffic, so be careful out there. And for you students, only nine months to go before summer 2026!

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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