August 26, 2025

Good morning, . I’m working hard to lose weight. Unfortunately, I found it and am now right back where I started. In this week’s Buzz:

At most any event in Mission Viejo, you’ll find Bob Ruesch mingling with residents and extolling the virtues of our city. But as mayor, he’s more than MV’s head cheerleader—he’s also a successful entrepreneur who knows how to get things done. Mayor Ruesch recently spearheaded the three-day BBQ Musical Festival in late July and played an active role in the exterior design of the new Fire Station 24. He’s especially proud of the years-long transformation of the down-on-its-heels Costa del Sol golf course into the popular, city-owned Oso Creek Golf Course. The course has been completely restored with upgraded amenities including the Garden Grille snack shack, a glass atrium, and musical and social events that are drawing big crowds. In his sights now are improving parking on Marguerite Pkwy and championing the construction of a dining and entertainment complex to welcome residents, attract visitors and generate more income for the city. With Mayor Ruesch leading the way, Mission Viejo isn’t just polishing its reputation as the “jewel of Orange County”— it’s adding new facets to shine even brighter.

A high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) signal is soon to be installed on Olympiad Rd to create a safe pedestrian crossing between the Marty Russo Youth Athletic Park and Lake Mission Viejo. Officially called a pedestrian hybrid beacon, the HAWK signal stops road traffic only as needed to allow pedestrians to cross safely. A special light sequence will alert drivers on Olympiad when people are crossing at the busy mid-block location. Completion is expected by the end of the year.

U.S. News & World Report has released its rankings of the best high schools in the country, and dozens in Orange County made the list. Nearly 24,000 public high schools were evaluated on how effectively they serve their student populations, considering key factors such as college readiness, curriculum breadth and overall student outcomes. The highest-ranked Orange County school is Oxford Academy in Cypress, which placed 19th nationally. It graduates 99% of its students and has a college-readiness score of 97.5. Mission Viejo’s two public high schools didn’t fare as well. Capistrano Valley High placed No. 1,279 nationally with a 97% graduation rate and a 47.3 college-readiness score. Mission Viejo High came in at No. 1,984 with a 94% graduation rate and a 32.9 college-readiness score.

It’s a question asked almost every week at my house: What should I put in the blue-lidded mixed recycling bin? According to Waste Management, there are three basic rules: No. 1: Recycle bottles, cans, paper and cardboard; No. 2: Keep food and liquid out; No. 3: No loose plastic bags or bagged recyclables. The “chasing arrows” symbol on plastic bottles doesn't necessarily mean they’re recyclable—in general, only bottles, jars, jugs and tubs should go in the blue bin. The containers should be clean and dry, and can include the plastic cap. Clean and empty steel, tin and aluminum cans are good to go. So are paper, newspaper and magazines. How about those pizza boxes? Absolutely, as long as they don’t contain leftovers or liners. More info.

If you’ve attended a Mission Viejo Night Market you’ve likely noticed the long line just to the right of the stage. You may have even stood in that line yourself, because it’s for Tap Truck O.C., a mobile bar service that combines vintage vehicles with tasty beer, wine and spirits. Launched by Orange County natives Will Castelblanco and Garrett Poré, Tap Truck serves craft brews, seltzers, ciders, mixed drinks and wine from restored and converted classic trucks and vans. The company works with breweries throughout the O.C. and San Diego to source thirst-quenching quaffs. These days, Huckleberry Hard Seltzer from Brewery X in Anaheim is particularly popular. “We love coming out to community events and parties to provide good energy and good brews,” said Tap Truck bartender Demond Musgrove at the August Night Market. “We’re living the dream.” More info.

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