May 12, 2026
Hi, . Fantasy baseball. Fantasy football. If there were a fantasy life league, I’d already be retired on a beach somewhere with a boat in the harbor and a Ferrari in the driveway. In this week’s Buzz:
The growing gap between income and home prices in MV
Summer concert series lineup
“Jazz Under the Stars” at MVHS
Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez
Mission Viejo Property Showcase
Out and About
Weekly Weather Forecast
When the American dream cost $21k
Mission Viejo was originally marketed as attainable housing for young families—and it delivered. The first homes sold in 1965 for $21,000, roughly a 2-to-1 ratio compared to the median Orange County household income of $9,500. Today, that affordability is a distant memory. The median home price has reached $1,100,000, compared with a median household income of $136,570—a ratio of 8-to-1, nearly four times what it was 60 years ago. The numbers reveal how the gap between incomes and home prices has become one of Orange County’s defining challenges.
Paid Political Advertisement
NEWS BITS
Summer nights by the lake
Warm summer nights. Sunsets over Lake Mission Viejo. Live bands filling the air as friends and family gather by the water. Summer concerts by the lake are one of Mission Viejo’s favorite traditions—and this year’s lineup may be one of the best yet. The season kicks off June 13 with Pink Floyd tribute band Which One’s Pink? and wraps up September 5 with Fitz and the Tantrums, followed by fireworks. Along the way, enjoy performances by Tower of Power, Rachel Platten, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Band Perry. Let’s get the party started! More info.
Council approves next step for Site 3 housing proposal
The Mission Viejo City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Trumark Homes to explore development of Site 3, a 22.8-acre vacant property near the Animal Services Center off Center Dr. The site is zoned for about 215 homes, with at least 20% required to be affordable housing. Trumark, which has completed major projects in Rancho Mission Viejo and Irvine, will spend the next 120 days conducting environmental studies and preparing a conceptual plan. Any final development agreement must return to the council for approval. More info.
Mixed signals on Pacific Hills Dr.
The homes in the Pacific Hills neighborhood are uniformly lovely—but don’t expect consistency when it comes to speed limits. Posted speeds on Pacific Hills Dr. are generally 25 mph through the residential stretches and bump up to 30–35 mph near the intersections with Oso Pkwy. to the south and La Paz Rd. to the north. But things get confusing heading south, where you’ll encounter a classic case of mixed signals: “35 mph” painted on the street right next to a sign that says “30 mph.” So which is it? Play it safe and go with the lower limit—your neighbors will thank you.
Paid Political Advertisement
PEOPLE & PLACES
Assembly District 71 candidate spotlight: Kate Sanchez
Homeowners across Mission Viejo are feeling the strain of rising insurance costs—and Republican Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez has a plan to help. In March, the District 71 representative introduced AB 1620, a proposal that would allow California homeowners to deduct the full cost of their insurance premiums from their state income taxes. “It’s a straightforward, middle-class tax cut that meets people where they are—and in a community like Mission Viejo, the impact is significant,” Sanchez said. She described the bill as a practical response to soaring insurance rates. “If the state can’t get insurance costs under control, we should at least give homeowners some breathing room now.” More info. Editor’s Note: The Buzz will feature candidates running for local office this election season, regardless of party affiliation.
Make your graduation party pop
Caps flying, diplomas signed—it's time to party! Mission Viejo’s Top Hat Balloon Werks specializes in making graduation celebrations worthy of the milestone itself. This year’s most popular looks feature sophisticated color palettes with chrome, gold and silver accents alongside bold “Class of 2026” garlands and columns in your grad’s school colors. Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard gathering or a full-scale celebration, Top Hat creates TikTok-worthy moments your graduate will never forget. More info.📍 23854 Via Fabricante, Unit B2.
Paid Political Advertisement
LOCAL SCHOOL LOWDOWN
All that jazz under the stars
Music will fill the air at Mission Viejo High School on Friday, May 22, at 7 PM for the annual “Jazz Under the Stars” concert. Featuring swing classics and modern bebop, the evening will showcase talented student musicians who’ve spent the year perfecting their craft. “Jazz has been such a big part of my life, and I’m excited for the community to see what we’ve been working on,” said alto sax player Sophie Nguyen. Bring blankets and chairs for a warm evening on the green. Tickets are $10-$30 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. — Myrra Uppuluri
Capo Valley students say no to vapes and Zyn
Capistrano Valley High School joined National Take Down Tobacco Day for the first time last month, with students rallying around the theme “Vapes + Zyn: New products, same old tricks.” Led by the Strength In Numbers student club, the campus event highlighted youth-targeted marketing by tobacco companies through peer-led education and a Student Art Contest focused on industry manipulation. First place went to Capo’s Emily Beebe (pictured, with Capo principal John Misustin), whose artwork was displayed across campus, extending its impact well beyond the event.
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].
MISSION VIEJO PROPERTY SHOWCASE
25945 Camino Largo
$1,800,000, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,522 sq. ft.
Built in 1994, this single-family residence blends timeless design with modern comforts, creating the perfect place to call home. The formal dining room area is perfect for entertaining. The family room features a cozy fireplace. The private backyard with lush landscaping offers a built-in BBQ and outdoor kitchen, along with a resort-style pool and spa with a waterfall and slide. Adults and kids will love it! The HOA includes membership to Lake Mission Viejo, frequently considered one of Mission Viejo’s signature lifestyle amenities. More info.
Listing agent: Christian Noiroux, (714) 227-9910
OUT AND ABOUT
Happenings
5/13, Rotary Club of Mission Viejo Meeting, Fidelity Investments Conference Room, 7:10 AMWeekly meeting to discuss club business. Guest speakers welcome. More info. 📍 27101 Puerto Real, Ste. 100.
5/12–24, Pumptrack, Oso Creek Trail, 7 AM–7 PMA pumptrack is a closed circuit track consisting of rollers, banked turns and other features that allow riders to use their momentum to propel themselves forward. It's a fun and challenging way to practice bike skills and improve fitness. More info.📍 24932 Veterans Way, near the outdoor fitness equipment.
5/16, Repair Cafe OC, Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 8:30 AM–12:30 PMRepair Cafe gathers folks skilled in fixing, mending, sewing and rejuvenating broken stuff. Bring your items in need of repair, and volunteers will try to fix them on the spot. The work is free, though donations are appreciated. More info.📍 24932 Veterans Way.
5/16, Mission Viejo Farmers Market, North Paseo at Los Osos, 9 AM–1 PMShop a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, ready-to-eat food items, handmade crafts and more. More info. 📍 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.
5/16, Pedal La Paz Bikeway Event, 9 AM–1 PMBike, scoot or roll along a protected car-free bike lane and experience how a separated bikeway can improve safety, connectivity and accessibility. Then stop by Newhart Middle School for a youth bike safety course, community booths, free tune-ups and giveaways. The first 50 youth riders will receive a free bike helmet while supplies last. More info. 📍 La Paz Rd, between Marguerite Pkwy & Veterans Way.
5/16, Night Market—Fiesta, North Paseo at Los Osos, 5-9 PMJoin a Mexican Fiesta at this month’s Night Market, featuring live music, beer and wine, food, handmade crafts, games for kids, and more. More info.📍 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.
5/17, Heritage House Grand Reopening, Melinda Park, 1–4 PMOriginally a Mission Viejo Company new home sales center, the newly renovated Heritage House is a place for visitors to learn about the people and events that made Mission Viejo “The California Promise.” More info.📍 28951 Melinda Rd.
5/19, DayBreakers Networking Group, Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 7:45–9:30 AMWeekly networking event for the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce. Come to meet, greet and get to know local business owners. $12 for members, $14 for non-members. More info.📍 24932 Veterans Way.
5/19, Homework Help, Mission Viejo Library, 3:30–5:30 PMVolunteer tutors are available to work with students in grades 2–6 during the school year. Students can bring specific assignments. Please register one week prior to your desired date. More info. 📍 100 Civic Center.
Live Music
5/12, Jazz Lab Concert, Saddleback College, 7:30–9 PMHear a range of great tunes from Hoagy Carmichael and Craig Cammell to Matt Zebley, plus original compositions and new arrangements! More info. 📍 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, McKinney Theatre.
5/13, Advanced Piano Student Recital, Saddleback College, 7:30–9 PMHear some of the school’s most talented keyboard studies students perform their final concert of the semester, featuring music by the world's greatest composers. More info. 📍 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Fine Arts 101.
5/15, Jazz Faculty Composition Concert, Saddleback College, 2:30–4:30 PMSupport the school’s creative jazz composition students as the Saddleback Jazz Faculty perform their original music in concert! More info. 📍 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, McKinney Theatre.
Kaleidoscope More info. 📍 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy
5/15: TBA, 6–9 PM
5/16: Mark Robinson, 6–9 PM
Pub Thirty-Two More info. 📍 23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2.
5/15: Joe Hickey, 7–10 PM
5/16: Dan Forster, 7–10 PM
5/17, Bren Holmes, 1–3 PM
5/15, Big Band Concert, Saddleback College, 7:30–9 PMDon’t miss this night of big band favorites, plus new arrangements and world premieres. More info. 📍 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, McKinney Theatre.
5/18, Commercial Music Ensemble Concert, Saddleback College, 7:30–9:30 PMCome out for a night of great music from yesterday and today! Saddleback’s commercial music bands will perform songs spanning decades and many genres from artists including Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Amy Winehouse and Olivia Rodrigo. More info. 📍 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, McKinney Theatre.
Have an event you want to promote? Simply send your info, including contact details, to [email protected].
Your Weekly Forecast
Hats off to our first year
The Buzz is officially one year old! Amazing how time flies. To celebrate, we’re offering Buzz baseball caps for just $15 throughout the month of May. Email me at [email protected] to get yours.
Keith Lissak
Publisher/Editor
Copyright (C) 2026 | Lissak Communications. All rights reserved.
Proofreader: Stella LissakWant to change how you receive these emails?
You can unsubscribe.