October 21, 2025
Hi, . I felt invisible at my last job. When I ran into a friend and he said, “Long time no see,” I knew it was time for a change—and here I am. In this week's Buzz:
Oso Creek rages during last week’s storm
Free cash for home rehabs
National Prescription Medication Take-Back Day
The story behind Mission Viejo’s streetlights
District 2 City Councilmember Brian Goodell
Mission Viejo Property Showcase
Out and About
Weekly Weather Forecast
From peaceful to powerful
Oso Creek is usually a placid waterway that meanders through the heart of our city, but last week’s storm turned the gentle creek into raging white water. At its strongest point last Tuesday, the early-season atmospheric river dumped nearly a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours over Mission Viejo. All that water needed to go somewhere and, by noon, Oso Creek had risen to dangerous levels as it rushed toward its confluence with Trabuco Creek in San Juan Capistrano. It was a thrilling sight from the Oso Creek Trail near La Paz Rd—but more importantly, no one was hurt by the torrent.
NEWS BITS
Free money for fixer-uppers? Yes, please!
Did you know Mission Viejo offers free money for home repairs? The Housing Rehabilitation Program provides 0% financing up to $40,000 for qualifying homeowners to tackle essential upgrades—including new roofs, driveway repairs, energy-efficient window replacement, plumbing fixes, termite eradication and more. Need a fresh look? The Paint Program grants up to $12,500 for exterior painting. These programs help low- to moderate-income residents extend their home’s life while improving comfort and curb appeal. Check eligibility requirements and start your transformation today. More info.
Prescription disposal day returns
Help keep your community safe by clearing out your medicine cabinet. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Enforcement Administration will host National Prescription Medication Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 25, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Mission Viejo City Hall. Residents can drive through and anonymously drop off unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications—you don’t even have to remove them from their containers. No liquids, needles, sharps or pressure canisters will be accepted. This free service helps prevent medication misuse and protects public health. In 2023, the DEA collected nearly 600,000 pounds of unused medication nationwide. More info.📍200 Civic Center
Illuminating history: the Bell that lights our streets
Mission Viejo’s distinctive bell-shaped streetlights are among the city’s most recognizable features. In the 1960s, city founders wanted something unique to define their community. They drew inspiration from the historic El Camino Real bells marking Father Junipero Serra’s California missions. General Electric brought the vision to life. Walter Scott of G.E. and Roy Dahlin of the Edison Company designed the lights to match Mission San Juan Capistrano's bells in proportion and color, creating the “Mission Bell Luminaire” we still see today. Located throughout the city, our streetlights visually connect residents to California’s mission heritage.
Photo by Rosa Martinez
PEOPLE & PLACES
Get to know District 2 City Councilmember Brian Goodell
Mission Viejo has deep ties to the Summer Olympics. No connection is stronger than District 2 Councilmember and former Mayor Brian Goodell. At 17, Brian won gold medals in the 400-meter and 1500-meter freestyle events at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He recently played a major role in Mission Viejo being selected by the Netherlands Olympic Committee (TeamNL) as its primary pre-games training site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. “We are beyond excited to be able to host TeamNL,” Brian said. “This will add to our rich Olympic legacy, and will create opportunities for our citizens to build lasting relationships with the Olympic movement.”
MISSION VIEJO PROPERTY SHOWCASE
24752 San Doval Ln
$1,749,000, 4 beds, 4 baths, 2,400 sq. ft.
This one-of-a-kind, custom redesigned home in one of Mission Viejo’s original neighborhoods features a new roof, complete restucco, tankless water heater, dual-pane vinyl windows, quartz counter tops, marble and tile flooring, new appliances, plumbing fixtures and more. The kitchen includes a large island, custom cabinetry with designer pulls, and opens to the great room and formal dining room. The ensuite primary bedrooms have dual sinks and oversized showers; the main floor bedroom also boasts a huge walk-in closet and access to the backyard. The extra-wide garage has a new garage door opener, epoxy floors, drywall and EV hookup capability. More info.
Listing agent: Susan Sorrell, Coldwell Banker Realty, [email protected]
Score this nifty cap for free!
Get five friends, family members or neighbors to join our growing swarm of Buzz subscribers and we’ll hook you up with one of our brand-new, limited-edition Mission Viejo Buzz caps. They’re seriously cool and you can’t get them anywhere else!
Click below to help spread the word!
OUT AND ABOUT
Happenings
10/22, Heroes Supporting Heroes, Oggie’s Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza, 5-9 PMSupport the Special Olympics with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Authority as you enjoy pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches served by Mission Viejo first responders. Just show or mention you’re there to support our heroes and 20% of your bill (excluding alcohol) will be donated to Special Olympics Southern California. More info. 📍 24042 Alicia Pkwy.
10/25, Drive-Through Pet Vaccine Clinic, Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, 8:30 10 AMLow-cost vaccinations and microchipping for cats and dogs belonging to residents of Mission Viejo and surrounding communities. More info. 📍 28095 Hillcrest.
10/25, 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.
10/25, Pumpkin Diving, Sierra Rec & Fitness Center, 1-5 PMJump into Sierra’s swimming pool to pick your pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch, then decorate it and play carnival games. Event is free to attend but is $5 to participate when you register online, or $10 on-site while pumpkins last. Participants of the city’s Activities 4 Better Living Experience (ABLE) program can arrive at noon. More info.📍 26887 Recoto Ln.
10/25, Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Norman R. Murray Community & Senior Center, 2-9 PMEnjoy live mariachi music, traditional folk dancing, face painting, crafts, a multicultural marketplace and classic cars at this “Day of the Dead” celebration. More info.📍 24932 Veterans Way.
10/26, Pumpkin Paddle Smash, Felipe Tennis & Rec Center, 2-4:30 PMAn afternoon of friendly pickleball matches, pumpkin carving, fall snacks, costumes, pumpkin decorating contests and more! All levels are welcome for the pickleball round-robin tournament, and paddles are provided. $60 entry fee per team, which includes a pumpkin. More info.📍 27161 Nogal.
Live Music
10/22, Vino & Veranda, Piccolino Ristorante, 5:30-6:45 PMSample eight wines and snack plates for $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required. More info.📍28719 Los Aliso Blvd.
10/23, 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.
Pub Thirty-Two More info.📍23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2.
10/24: Scott Gronsky
10/25: Joe Hickey
10/25, Lord of the Strings: Peppino D'Agostino and Mads Tolling, City Hall Council Chamber, 7-9 PMKnown for his remarkable technique, open tunings and percussive style, Sicilian guitarist Peppino D’Agostino creates what he calls “minestrone music.” Mads Tolling is a celebrated violinist and composer from Copenhagen. See and hear them both in this program of exceptional music. $50 per ticket. More info.📍 200 Civic Center.
Buy, Sell & Trade
Peloton cross-training bike: $765Like new, barely used. Includes HD touchscreen display, speakers, mat shoes and weights. $1,977 retail value. Contact Abtin.
Glass-top wrought iron table: $350Elegant outdoor glass-top table with decorative wrought iron base. Includes four matching chairs with pads. Contact Patricia.
Frigidaire refrigerator/freezer: $175Black, some dents and scratches. Works great and is ideal as a second refrigerator/freezer. Eight years old. 20.4 cu ft. Contact Helen.
Olds Ambassador trumpet: $1751976 model. Good condition. Not used in many years. Contact Keith.
Kobalt electric lawn mower: $175Kobalt KM210 21-inch electric lawn mower in excellent condition. Full size catcher with no holes. Runs perfectly. Contact Barry.
Black & Decker trimmer/edger: $374.0-amp corded trimmer with 13-inch cutting width. Automatic line feed and secure cord retention let you work without interruption. Brand new—still in sealed box. Contact Barry.
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!
There are so many fascinating people in our city with Buzz-worthy stories to tell. If you know any of them, drop me a line so I can feature them in an upcoming issue.
Keith Lissak
Publisher/Editor
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