September 23, 2025

Good morning, . I’m stoked because I just secured a preferred seat for the remainder of this year’s football season. It’s the one on the couch directly in front of the TV. In this week’s Buzz:

Brats, brews & Bavarian fun at the lake
Join the Walk for Alopecia
15th Annual Fore the Kids Golf Tournament
Party Plus opens in former Party City location
Mission Viejo Property Showcase
Out and about
Weekly weather forecast

Bavarian bash returns to the lake

Get ready to raise your steins! Lake Mission Viejo transforms into a Bavarian-style party on September 27 from 4-8:30 PM for the annual Oktoberfest celebration. This family-friendly festival brings authentic German charm right to our doorstep. Tap your feet to live traditional German music, and bring your appetite for classic bratwurst, warm, buttery pretzels and meatballs, along with other treats that’ll transport you straight to Munich. Adults can enjoy frosty German beer served in proper steins, while kids (and kids-at-heart) can test their skills at carnival-style games. It’s the perfect blend of Oktoberfest culture, food and fun without the long plane ride to Germany! More info.

NEWS BITS

Take steps to end the stigma of alopecia

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation’s Third Annual Walk for Alopecia is Saturday, September 27, at 8:45 AM in cities across the country, and Mission Viejo is part of this nationwide movement. Tesoro High School student Rizan Khan Muhammad and his “Hope, Healing and Hairlines” teammates Saniya Lalani, Inayah Hemani and Shayan Cassim organized our local walk, which takes place at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. Their inspiring effort will help to raise awareness and end the stigma about alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Join or donate to support Rizan’s team and show the world that it’s not “just” hair—it's about hope and community. More info.📍24932 Veterans Way.

Join the Walk for Alopecia in Mission Viejo this Saturday.

Runners, on your marks!

Hey, kids and teens, time to lace up those running shoes! Mission Viejo is hosting its inaugural track meet on Sunday, October 5, from 8:00 AM to noon at Mission Viejo High School. Open to athletes ages 8-18, this exciting event welcomes seasoned sprinters and first-time competitors alike in events including the 60-, 200- and 400-meter dash, the long jump and vortex throw. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group for every event. It’s the perfect opportunity to test your speed, make new friends, and experience the excitement of track and field. The entry fee is $25 per athlete, with the registration deadline of October 1. More info.

Teeing it up for at-risk youths

One in four children is without adult supervision after school. One in five fifth-graders is considered obese. Drowning is the No. 1 cause of accidental deaths of children. Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel Family YMCA youth programs—such as Afterschool Care, Safety Around Water and Summer Camp—provide solutions for each of these community issues. To help fund the programs, the 15th Annual Fore the Kids Golf Tournament was held last Thursday at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. Nearly 160 golfers teed it up, raising more than $75,000 to support the Y. The day ended with dinner and a live auction that saw multiple luxe getaways and vacation packages going to the highest bidders. (Pictured, from left: tournament participants Jim Vosler and Jerry Mattes.)

Golfers prepare to hit the course at the Fore the Kids Golf Tournament in Mission Viejo.

PEOPLE & PLACES

The party starts here…again

The good times are here again! Party Plus has opened at the former Party City location on Marguerite Pkwy, next to Trader Joe’s. Currently in “soft opening” phase, this new store offers a complete selection of party supplies—from piñatas to paper goods—plus a full-service balloon desk. Just in time for Halloween, you’ll also find costumes, candy and everything else needed for a spooky holiday. This large seasonal section will rotate throughout the year, says store manager Paul Rea (pictured). While a date for the official grand opening has not been set and exterior signage isn’t up yet, the celebration has already begun at Party Plus!📍25410 Marguerite Pkwy.

Store manager Paul Rea greets his customers with a smile at the new Party Plus store in Mission Viejo.

MISSION VIEJO PROPERTY SHOWCASE

23171 Rockrose

$1,779,000, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,679 sq. ft.

Located in the guard-gated Stoneridge community, this two-story home features soaring ceilings, new flooring and lighting, PEX plumbing and a new HVAC system. Plantation shutters and custom millwork bring warmth and timeless elegance. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops, spacious breakfast bar and premium appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf island range. The expansive primary suite highlights a spa-inspired bath with travertine stone and designer finishes. Lush artificial turf, custom pavers and stone planter boxes make for low-maintenance grounds. More info.

Listing agent: Kraig Enyeart, eXp Realty of California, 949-374-8870

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OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

9/23, Fiesta Tuesday, Oso Creek Golf Course, 4-7 PMTuesday nights are for dinner in the Atrium. Enjoy $3 street tacos (chicken, filet and carnitas), $5 margaritas, complimentary chips and a salsa bar. Reservations not required. More info.📍 27601 Casta Del Sol.
9/26, Silent Disco Night, Sierra Recreation Center, 5-7 PMPut on a pair of wireless headphones and step into a rollicking dance party. With multiple channels available, every family member can groove to their favorite beat. $5 per participant. More info.📍26887 Recodo Ln.
9/26-28, Free Fencing Lessons, The Shops at Mission Viejo, 1-5 PMMission Viejo is partnering with USA Fencing and its “Fencing Across America” campaign to present fencing demos and free fencing lessons. The action takes place on the mall’s first floor just outside Build-a-Bear. More info.📍555 The Shops at Mission Viejo.
9/27, Mission Viejo Farmers Market, North Paseo at Los Osos, 9 AM-1 PMShop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. More info. 📍 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.
9/27, Free Document Shredding, City Hall, 9-11 AMDestroy your sensitive documents at this free drive-through event, hosted by Waste Management and the City’s Public Works Department. Local residents and businesses can bring up to five banker-size file boxes (24"x12"x10") of paper for immediate shredding. More info.📍 200 Civic Center.
9/27, Movies in the Park, Napoli Park, 5-9 PMBring the family to watch the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie under the stars. Drop off blankets and low-backed chairs early. Games and music begin at 5 pm, movie starts at dusk. More info.📍 27682 Napoli Way.
10/4, E-Waste and Household Hazardous Waste Collection, City Hall, 9-11 AMHazardous waste products are dangerous to the public and the environment and must be disposed of properly. This drive-through event makes it easy to dispose of them easily and safely. Acceptable items include pool chemicals, household cleaners, garden chemicals, paint products and thinners, thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, batteries and electronic items. There is a limit of 125 pounds or 15 gallons per vehicle, and each container must not exceed 5 gallons. Proof of residency required. More info.📍 200 Civic Center.

Live Music

9/25, Music at the Veranda, Piccolino Ristorante, 6:30-8:30 PMSip, savor and sway to soulful tunes paired with memorable Italian food. More info.📍28719 Los Aliso Blvd.
9/27, Lord of the Strings: Transatlantic Guitar Trio, City Hall, 7-9 PMGuitarists Richard Smith, Joscho Stephan and Rory Hoffman join forces to present a unique blend of jazz ballads, gypsy swing standards and groovy original compositions. Tickets: $60. More info.📍200 Civic Center.
Pub Thirty-Two More info.📍23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2. 9/26, 7-10 PM: Anesha Rose9/27, 7-10 PM: Jake Hitt
10/8, Subterranean Soundscapes: Tom Bagley, Jeronimo Tunnel, 7-8 PMEnjoy a lively evening of piano music by Tom Bagley in the acoustically rich Jeronimo Tunnel along the Oso Creek Trail. This free concert is open to all ages and no registration is required. Seating is provided. Beverages and light refreshments available for purchase. More info.📍Jeronimo & Arbolitos.

Buy, Sell & Trade

Pedego electric bike: $975. Pedego Element electric bike with fat tires. Contact Rob.

Ryobi 40V cordless lawnmower: $200. Used only a few times. Works well and very powerful. Contact Doug.

Olds Ambassador trumpet: $175. 1976 model. Good condition. Not used in many years. Contact Keith.

Martha Stewart china: $145. Serving bowls and platters. Contact Neda.

Wine goblets: $52. Brand new set of eight. Contact Neda.

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!

Our son is off to the University of Oregon this week, and we’re taking a road trip to get him settled up there. So no issue next week, but we’ll be back with an all-new Buzz on October 7.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor