May 19, 2026

Hi, . The recent debates by California’s candidates for governor made me realize how hard it is to find a moderate these days—you know, someone who owns both a Tesla and a Tahoe. In this week’s Buzz:

Mission Viejo residents have a new destination for hyperlocal news, events and community resources: the all-new Mission Viejo Buzz website. The site brings together the latest stories from the Buzz newsletter alongside fresh original reporting, local event coverage and easy-to-use business directories. Want more details on a newsletter story? Looking for something to do this weekend? Need a trusted local dentist, plumber or pizza spot? The new directories make it easy to discover businesses and services around town. Bookmark the site, share it with friends and neighbors, and let us know what you’d like to see next. Take a look.

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Baseball great Rod Carew brought inspiration and perspective to the May 6 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at Mission Viejo Christian Church. Hosted by Mayor Wendy Bucknum and Mission Viejo Christian Church senior pastor Mike Maiolo, the event included a breakfast buffet and reflections on faith, gratitude and perseverance. Carew (pictured, center) shared stories of his journey from humble beginnings in Panama to the Baseball Hall of Fame and a life-saving heart transplant, encouraging attendees to measure success not by personal accomplishments but by how they serve others. More info.

More than 40 trash-picking volunteers spread out across Mission Viejo on Saturday for Love Mission Viejo Day, collecting more than 100 pounds of refuse during a citywide day of service. Organized by Jennifer Inocencio of ZeroTrash Mission Viejo, the cleanup effort brought together Trabuco Hills High School students, local church members and community volunteers committed to keeping the city clean. Love Mission Viejo Day featured 23 additional service projects across the city, from beautifying a disabled senior’s yard to assembling care packages for local firefighters and sheriff’s deputies, along with creating art projects tied to the city’s America 250 celebration. Participants wrapped up the day with lunch and ice cream at the Potocki Center.

Everyone can use a good laugh, and Mission Viejo will get its chance to yuk it up on Thursday, May 28. Don’t Tell Comedy is bringing its pop-up stand-up show to town, with both the comedians and exact location kept under wraps until the day of the event. The curated lineup typically features 4–8 rising comics, revealed only as each performer takes the stage. The Mission Viejo show will be at a local restaurant, with the location announced to ticket holders at 8 AM on May 28. It’s a fun twist on live comedy—crushing stand-up in an intimate setting close to home. Tickets are $30. More info.

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What would lead a mother of two with a successful legal career to run for Congress? For Democrat Lisa Ramirez, it was a series of events she says pushed her to a breaking point after 25 years as an immigration lawyer. Ramirez points to clients disappearing into detention facilities, rising tensions across Southern California, and last June’s National Guard deployment in Santa Ana, where some of her staff attorneys sheltered inside a federal building. “Never in my wildest nightmares did I imagine our military would be used against our own community,” Ramirez said. Running in California’s 40th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Ramirez says she wants to focus on immigration reform and government accountability. More info. Editor’s Note: The Buzz will feature candidates running for local office this election season, regardless of party affiliation.

Coto de Caza resident Joe Kerr built his career as a first responder and problem-solver. After more than three decades as a firefighter, labor leader and community advocate, he’s now running for Congress to bring that experience to California’s 40th District, which includes Mission Viejo. Among the Democrat’s top priorities are strengthening economic security for working families and increasing federal investment in wildfire prevention and detection. “When I became union president, my team and I increased healthcare benefits while lowering costs and returning up to $7 million to taxpayers,” Kerr said. “Working at the local level gave me the experience and determination needed to pass federal legislation that improves people’s lives.” More info.

Prime Pizza just dropped a collaboration you’ll want to check out. The LA-based chain—with a location on Alicia Pkwy—has teamed up with LA Indian eatery Badmaash to create a Butter Chicken Pizza. The mashup layers Badmaash's butter chicken and signature sauce with bell peppers, pickled onions, parsley and mozzarella on Prime’s Brooklyn square crust. The result is crunchy, saucy and unapologetically messy, blending Bollywood spice with New York swagger. It’s a gloriously unlikely combo that tastes like it was meant to be. Don’t wait to try it though: it’s available for a limited time only.   More info. 📍 24420 Alicia Pkwy.

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Wendy Park, a STARS (Success Through Academic Readiness and Social Skills) teacher at Mission Viejo’s Philip Reilly Elementary, took home the Big Kahuna Award at the 11th Annual Sunshine Awards. The honor is made even more impressive by the fact that Wendy (pictured) has earned a Sunshine Award in 10 of the program’s 11 years. Hosted by Capistrano Unified School District’s Special Education Community Advisory Committee, the Big Kahuna Award recognizes exceptional achievement and advocacy in special education, making Wendy Park the clear and inspiring choice this year. More info.

Finals season is here, and students at Mission Viejo High School are feeling the pressure—but Tutoring Club has their backs. The club was founded last year by two sophomores who recognized that tutoring isn’t accessible to everyone and all students deserve the support they need to succeed in the classroom. Now wrapping up its second year, the club has grown to more than 40 tutors covering subjects from foreign languages to advanced calculus. The benefits go both ways: students receive extra academic support while tutors strengthen their own skills by helping classmates succeed. It’s proof that two students with one idea can make a real difference. — Myrra Uppuluri

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].

$2,598,000, 5 beds, 3 baths, 3,347 sq. ft.

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live where the sand meets the sparkling water of Lake Mission Viejo. This beautifully remodeled home has unobstructed views of the lake on the main level and upstairs. More than $500,000 in improvements includes beautiful hardwood floors, a gorgeous chef’s kitchen with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, premium stainless steel appliances and much more. Each bathroom is exquisitely remodeled, including a spa-inspired primary bathroom. The 10,800-square-foot lot complements the property, which boasts an Olympic lap pool, spa, BBQ, professional hardscape and landscape, and a full wrap-around yard and patio, offering a generous entertaining space. More info.

Listing agent: Scott Arnott, (949) 375-1265, Coldwell Banker Realty

Have an event you want to list? Simply send your info, including contact details, to [email protected].

The City’s annual Memorial Day ceremony is a meaningful way to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The community is invited to gather at the Kershaw Garden at 8:30 AM on Monday to pay their respects. American Heroes tribute banners honoring local veterans who lost their lives in service will remain on display through the end of the month.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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

Proofreader: Stella Lissak

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