September 9, 2025

Good morning, . I was so confident about winning last week’s big Powerball jackpot. Guess I’ll have to settle for my backup plan: checking under the couch cushions. In this week’s Buzz:

The Lake Mission Viejo Association continues to work to restore healthy fishing conditions after golden algae contamination began in 2014, presumably from migrating birds. The LMVA Board of Directors has explored every possible solution—including chemical treatments, sonic waves, nano oxygen bubbles, floating plant islands and water replacement—but the lake’s sheer size (more than 1.2 billion gallons) presents unique challenges. Working with government agencies and scientific experts, the Board has now developed a comprehensive plan utilizing the existing Advanced Purified Water Treatment Facility to filter lake water. This first-of-its-kind project at such scale is expected to gradually lower pH and reduce salt content, creating conditions less favorable to golden algae, improving water clarity and supporting a healthy fishery.

LA Fitness permanently closed its Mission Viejo location at the Kaleidoscope on August 31. The closure had been rumored for months, with patronage declining partly due to persistent sewage odors. In another sign of trouble for Fitness International, the Irvine-based operator of LA Fitness, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company in August over allegations that it makes canceling gym memberships exceedingly difficult. The company also faces at least one active lawsuit for fraudulent member charges. LA Fitness’s other Mission Viejo location, on Alicia Pkwy, remains open.

The city is teaming up with Waste Management to offer a free composting workshop on Saturday, September 13, at 10 AM. The 60-90 minute session will take place in The Kershaw Garden at Mission Viejo City Hall. Participants will discover how to transform yard trimmings and food scraps into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer using traditional composting and vermi-composting methods. Both techniques offer eco-friendly ways to reduce household waste while creating valuable soil amendments for gardens. Mission Viejo residents attending the workshop can purchase compost containers at significantly discounted prices. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. To register, contact 949-470-8458 or [email protected].

Uniqlo officially opened Friday, August 22, at The Shops at Mission Viejo, bringing Japanese minimalism and wallet-friendly prices to our community. The popular retailer has mastered simple, high-quality basics with clean lines and versatile pieces that work for everyone. The new location stocks men's and women's clothing and accessories, and features customer favorites like non-iron shirts, comfortable bra tops, classic U crew-neck tees and wide straight jeans. Since opening its first U.S. store in New Jersey in 2005, Uniqlo has grown to 69 American locations—with Mission Viejo now proudly among them.  More info. 📍 555 The Shops At Mission Viejo

When tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons weren't exciting enough, Bonnie and Arthur Fish took matters into their own hands. The duo ditched boring store-bought terrain features and minifigures, purchasing a 3D printer to make custom game pieces using professional-grade resin and filaments. Their hobby quickly spiraled into an obsession requiring multiple printers to craft intricate dice towers, articulated sensory fidget toys and cosplay objects. To fund their growing addiction, they launched Fishbowl Studio Prints, channeling their skills into producing irresistible 3D-printed and hand-painted items. Now their fantastic creations wow customers at the Mission Viejo Night Market, on Etsy, and soon at a Tustin storefront. Talk about turning passion into profit! More info.

$1,549,000, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,539 sq. ft.

Two-story Mediterranean-style home in Califia tract. Living room with travertine floors, vaulted ceilings and multiple windows with plantation shutters. A kitchen with granite countertops, dark cabinetry, travertine-style backsplash and stainless steel appliances opens to a spacious family room. Elegant finishes throughout include a wrought iron spiral staircase leading to the second floor. The large primary bedroom with elegant ensuite bathroom features a jetted corner bathtub and an overhead chandelier. Three-car garage with epoxy-coated flooring, 4.75 kW solar system, two-year-old HVAC, water filtration system and newer water heater. More info.

Listing agent: Rafael Alcala, HOM Realty Group, 949-690-7297

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