April 28, 2026

Hi, . My wife and I just spent an hour discussing what we should do for dinner. I finally told her to decide. Looks like I’m going to bed hungry. In this week’s Buzz:

Crunching metal. Shattering glass. A peaceful morning, suddenly turned chaotic. Bloodied students lay sprawled on the pavement in a scene that was both terrifying and heartbreaking—but no one was actually hurt. The fatal crash was staged for juniors and seniors at Capistrano Valley High School as a stark lesson on the dangers of drinking and driving. The simulation brought together the Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Falck Ambulance, Mission Hospital and O’Connor Mortuary to demonstrate a real-world emergency response. For 35 years, OCFA paramedic Steve Concialdi, founder of Friends Against Drinking and Driving, has led these demonstrations, delivering a graphic reminder to teens of the potential consequences of drunk and distracted driving. More info.

The Holocaust—the systematic murder of nearly six million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II—was brought into sharp focus last week at the Norman P. Murray Community Center. At “From Darkness to Light: An Evening of Remembrance and Hope,” three local survivors shared firsthand accounts of the horror. Michael Wolff recalled his rescue at age three via the Kindertransport program. Ann Jenner described being hidden by a Dutch Catholic family before reuniting with her own. Sam Silberberg, with help from his daughter Ilana, recounted surviving multiple concentration camps and a Nazi death march. Their stories offered a powerful reminder that the need to confront authoritarianism remains as urgent as ever. More info.

Get ready to march! The Mission Viejo Parade to honor 250 years of the American story is set for July 11. Starting at 9 AM outside St. Kilian Church, the festivities roll down Marguerite Pkwy to La Paz Rd, wrapping up at the BBQ Music Fest at Oso Viejo Community Park. Expect classic cars, marching bands, equestrian teams and more, so grab a blanket, claim your spot along the route and get ready to cheer loud! Want to participate in the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of liberty, unity and our shared national heritage? Apply by June 14. More info.

A new high-speed internet option is on the way. Cityside Fiber has begun installing a fiber-optic network in neighborhoods across Mission Viejo, including Pacific Hills and South Galicia. You may have noticed multi-colored markings on streets and sidewalks, indicating where lines will be installed. Construction involves cutting a two-inch-wide trench in the street, laying fiber conduit, and restoring the surface afterward. Cityside currently lists 1-gig service at $80 per month on its website. More info.

Beer lovers come in two groups: those who live for IPA and those who don’t. If you’re not a fan of the hoppy bitterness of IPA, Irish beers are never a bad idea. If you can’t decide which one to drink, go for the black and tan at Pub Thirty-Two. Half Guinness stout and half Harp lager, poured into a pint glass using a spoon to float the Guinness on top of the Harp, Pub Thirty-Two’s black and tan hits all the right notes. Imbibed in the homey feel of this gastropub/sports bar, which features live music every Friday and Saturday evening, all seems right in the world. Except for all of those darn IPAs. More info. 📍 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2.

On March 31, Los Alisos Intermediate School hosted SVUSD’s Intramural Soccer and Chess Tournaments, turning the campus into a hub of competition, strategy and school pride. On the soccer fields, teams delivered fast-paced, high-energy matchups filled with grit, teamwork, and standout plays on both offense and defense. RSM took the boys’ championship, while Serrano claimed both the girls’ and Unified titles. Indoors, the chess tournament showcased intense focus and sharp strategy, as students from all four schools battled through thoughtful, competitive matchups. Serrano ultimately secured the overall chess championship as well. The events highlighted sportsmanship and camaraderie, with the year’s track and field competition set for next month.

Mission Viejo High School junior Avannie Ure brought home top honors at the OC Fair’s Imaginology 2026 competition, where her steer, “Brisket,” was named Grand Champion. Competing against students from Future Farmers of America and 4-H programs across the region, Avannie stood out for her skill, dedication and months of hands-on preparation. The annual event highlights student work in STEAM education, with a strong emphasis on real-world learning. Avannie’s win is a testament to the strength of MVHS’s agricultural and career technical education programs—not to mention the hard work and heart she brought to every step of the process.

ATTENTION STUDENT WRITERS!

If you’re a middle or high school student in Mission Viejo and want to report on the activities, events and people at your school for the Buzz, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a great way to earn a byline, build experience and have your voice heard. Reach out to [email protected].

$1,495,000, 3 beds, 3 baths, 1,965 sq. ft.

Located in the sought-after Briarwood community, this beautifully upgraded home embodies Southern California living at its finest. Soaring ceilings and abundant natural light welcome you inside, where a formal living and dining room, step-down family room with wraparound fireplace, and French doors to the backyard create seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The bright white kitchen features a new Whirlpool double oven and charming breakfast nook. The private backyard retreat boasts new pavers, smart lighting with misters and a refreshed pool. Extensive upgrades include new paint, dimmable lighting, a 200-amp panel and an EV-ready outlet. More info.

Listing agent: Roy Fenn, (714) 206-0800, Douglas Elliman of California

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Last Wednesday evening, I attended “From Darkness to Light” at the Norman P. Murray Center, where three Holocaust survivors shared stories of unimaginable loss and resilience. The next morning, I was at Capo High, watching a simulated fatal car crash unfold as part of a program on the dangers of teen drunk driving. Different generations, different circumstances, but the same sobering truth: our choices carry consequences, sometimes far beyond what we can see.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

Copyright (C) 2026 | Lissak Communications. All rights reserved.

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