September 16, 2025

Good morning, . True story: I saw a turkey vulture eating an opossum on my neighbor’s roof the other day! The bird glared at me, so I politely said, “carrion.” In this week’s Buzz:

Have you seen them blissfully chomping away in the hills and canyons around town? Your eyes aren’t deceiving you—goats have arrived in Mission Viejo! These lunch guests are here to help rid the area of weeds and non-native plants like pampas grass, which has sharp leaf blades that are dangerous to birds and other wildlife. Provided by Sage Environmental Group, the goats also do a great job with fire prevention by eating plants that might otherwise fuel a wildfire. This targeted grazing has emerged as an effective and efficient way for fire authorities, municipalities and HOAs around Orange County to meet their local conservation plan goals. The scruffy, four-legged lawnmowers are fun to watch too (if you can find them)! More info.

Fasten your seatbelts for an insider’s look at John Wayne Airport—ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power—and you don’t even need a boarding pass! Just head to the Mission Viejo Rotary Club meeting on September 24, where Evanna Barbic, deputy airport director at JWA, will provide an overview of the airport and reveal its upcoming improvement plans. These include capital projects and concession expansions designed to improve the guest experience, support sustainability, and strengthen the airport’s role as a vital community asset. First-time guests to Rotary Club meetings attend free. The meeting begins at 7:10 AM and is held at 27101 Puerta Real, Ste 100. Contact membership director Nels Struve at 408-529-4660 for more info.

The City Council has approved an agreement with Pacific Symphony for performances during the new fiscal year. The Memorandum of Understanding includes the annual Symphony in the Cities concert, a Jeronimo Tunnel event, a sensory concert as part of the MV ABLE program and a Symphony-on-the-Go performance. The Pacific Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the past 50 years and has earned national recognition for its adventurous programming, community engagement and artistic growth. It performs at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Irvine, as well as in communities throughout Orange County.

Longtime Mission Viejo city attorney William “Bill” Curley passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 7. A partner at Harper & Burns LLP, Bill spent 21 years serving our community. The city honored his many contributions at its September 9 City Council meeting, citing Bill’s institutional knowledge and expertise in several essential practice areas—as well as his quirky sense of humor—and ordered the city flag to be lowered to half-staff. “Bill was a great colleague, a great attorney and a great friend,” said Elaine Lister, city manager. “His advocacy for the city of Mission Viejo will be greatly missed,” added Ellis Chang, director of administrative services (finance and human resources).

From legal briefs to coffee beans! Mission Viejo resident Kris Yellin wasn’t quite ready for a leisurely retirement when she closed the book on her career as an adoption attorney. Instead, she helped transform the It’s a Grind coffee franchise on Marguerite Pkwy into the High Ground Coffee House. Today, as sole owner, Kris and her talented baristas help locals rise above the daily grind with cups of Joe made from superior-quality fair trade organic beans. Lattes, cappuccinos, teas, pastries and sandwiches are also on the bill of fare. On any given morning, you can find Kris brewing up community magic at her uniquely welcoming and homey coffee house.📍25522 Marguerite Pkwy, #102.

$2,299,800, 3 beds, 3 baths, 2,762 sq. ft.

With sweeping panoramic views of Lake Mission Viejo, this two-story home in the Andalusia neighborhood is one of a kind. Tall, soaring ceilings in the foyer open to a formal living room immediately adjacent to the formal dining room. The spacious kitchen features custom cabinetry, stainless steel Wolf appliances and high-end Machiaro Dolomite stone countertops, and opens to a sprawling family room. The massive primary suite offers a spa-inspired bathroom, fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and a 14-foot slider that leads to the balcony. The entertainer’s backyard includes a putting green and elevated seating area. More info.

Listing agent: Scott Arnott, Coldwell Banker Realty, 949-375-1265

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Last week was a tough one. Let’s all take a deep breath, do everything we can to improve the political dialogue in our community and country, and work toward better days ahead.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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