October 28, 2025

Hi, . I went to a Halloween party last weekend with a sheet over my head. When some guy disapproved of my effort and asked why I even showed up, I told him I was just there for the boos. In this week’s Buzz:

The living gathered to honor the dead on Saturday at Mission Viejo’s Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, festival at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. Traditionally celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America on November 1 and 2, the holiday combines a lively fiesta atmosphere with the ritual construction of altars, called ofrendas, filled with offerings and mementos as a way to commune with deceased loved ones. The city’s gathering brought together food, live music, traditional folkloric dancing, classic cars, ofrendas and a multi-cultural marketplace. Celebrants masquerading as Death helped set the mood for this weirdly wonderful fete.

The wit and sensuality of Bridgerton takes a crash course on the power of vulnerability in Saddleback College’s production of Emma: No One But Herself, now running through November 2 in the McKinney Theatre. The energetic musical adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel blends Regencycore with a contemporary twist. Emma Woodhouse—handsome, clever and rich—plays matchmaker until love humbles her at her own game. Will Emma risk her prized independence for a chance at real connection? Spoiler alert: feelings ensue. Don’t miss this charming theatrical experience that will delight Austen fans and newcomers alike. Buy tickets.

Donating a pint of blood is a selfless act that can save up to three lives. Studies show that regular blood donation is also linked to surprising health benefits for the donor, including lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart attacks—especially for men. If these benefits aren’t enough of an incentive, the American Red Cross is sweetening the pot by offering people who donate blood by November 16 a $10 e-gift card and a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. There are three local opportunities to give before the deadline: November 3 at Lake Mission Viejo, November 12 at Trabuco Hills High School, and November 14 at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church. More info.

There’s only one initiative on the ballot for California’s Special Election on November 4. Proposition 50 authorizes the state legislature to draw new congressional district maps in advance of next year’s mid-term election. The new maps would be used until new maps are drawn following the 2030 U.S. Census. Voters have several options for casting their ballots on Prop 50. 1) Return it by mail, assuring it’s postmarked on or before election day and received by November 12. 2) Drop it at one of Mission Viejo’s four Official Ballot Drop Box locations on or before November 4: City Hall, Norman P. Murray Community Center, Pavion Park and Florence Joyner Olympiad Park. 3) Vote in person at an Orange County voting center on or before election day. More info.

For many Mission Viejo residents, there’s no better place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or special occasions than Wineworks for Everyone. Last week, the family-run restaurant and wine shop celebrated its own milestone—19 years in business. Darren and Jean Coyle opened their popular spot on October 22, 2006. You can still find them there most nights, serving great food and pouring memorable wines curated by their daughter, wine director Ali Coyle. “What an incredible time we’ve had growing with our community,” said the Coyles. “Thank you for the many memories, and we look forward to raising a glass with you!” More info. 📍 26342 Oso Pkwy.

$1,225,000, 3 beds, 3 baths, 1,781 sq. ft.

This home in the Pinecrest neighborhood features extensive upgrades throughout. Step inside the main level to new carpet, elegant travertine flooring, plantation shutters and a charming wine/coffee bar. The remodeled kitchen features white quartz countertops, soft-close drawers and cabinet pull-outs. The entertainer’s backyard has a saltwater pool, spa and full outdoor kitchen—BBQ, fridge, burner, sink and stereo! A wrought-iron fence opens to a peaceful slope for added privacy.   Additional highlights include updated bathrooms, a low-maintenance front yard, solar  energy system, whole house fan, and epoxy flooring and ample overhead storage in the two-car garage. More info.

Listing agent: Kathleen Shafer, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, [email protected]

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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].

Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 2, at 2 AM. Don’t forget to change your clocks back an hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. Because we gain an hour, sunrise and sunset will about an hour earlier on Sunday than they were on Saturday.

Hope you’re taking advantage of the discounts offered by our advertisers. It’s a great way to save a few bucks while supporting our local businesses. And don’t forget to tell them the Buzz sent you!

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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