May 26, 2026

Hi, . Nothing like waking up to cloudy skies this time of year. May Gray—it’s not gloomy, just coastal California mood lighting. In this week’s Buzz:

Life’s too short for bland food, and the Rotary Club’s 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off was hot stuff on Saturday, May 23. Chefs and chili lovers met up at the Norman P. Murray Community Center to judge the event’s best chili while drinking cold beer and listening to live music. There were versions to suit all tastes: mild and en fuego; beef, chicken, pork, turkey and vegetarian; with beans and without; even Peter Molinari’s (pictured, left) mole/chili umami bomb. James McCall (pictured, right) took home first place for his Original Texas Red, a blend of mesquite-smoked beef, garlic, spices and peppers. It most definitely was nacho average bowl of chili. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist stirring the pot.)

Paid Political Advertisement

The third annual Mission Viejo Pride is set for Saturday, June 13, at Saddleback College with entertainment, local craft vendors, food and activities for all ages. This is a community-organized event in partnership with the Wellness & Prevention Center and Saddleback College Rainbow Collective. The event has grown into one of the area’s most colorful community gatherings. “Mission Viejo Pride is a wonderful way to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and show that we support inclusion, visibility and connection for all of our residents,” said Mission Viejo City Councilmember Cynthia Vasquez. Attendees can expect live music, community booths and plenty of rainbow spirit throughout the day. More info.

You may have spotted him just off the northbound on-ramp to Interstate 5 from Crown Valley Pkwy: Jake Blues of the Blues Brothers standing on the rear balcony of Audi Mission Viejo, belting out silent soul music to the passing freeway traffic. Of course it’s not really Jake, but a realistic, life-size statue of the character played by the late John Belushi. The folks at the dealership say they have no information about the statue or how it got there. Makes you wonder how Jake would feel about the situation—frozen in time without brother Elwood or the band as the world speeds by, unable to fulfill his “mission from God.”

Clean your rain gutters and grab your umbrellas: the National Weather Service says there’s a 82% chance a Super El Niño will arrive in Southern California as early as this month and stick around through winter. Translation? Potential for heavy rain, coastal erosion and localized flooding in our area. The climate pattern develops when weakened trade winds push warm Pacific waters east, nudging wetter storms farther south. South American fishermen named the phenomenon El Niño de Navidad in the 1600s because it usually peaks around Christmas. More info.

Paid Political Advertisement

Corona resident Ken Calvert has served as the U.S. representative for California’s 41st District since 1992. He is now running for the newly drawn 40th District, which includes Mission Viejo, while continuing his role as a senior member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. The Republican conservative and former small business owner says his focus is lowering costs for families and supporting Southern California job creators. Earlier this year, Calvert secured more than $67 million for regional infrastructure and worked on military funding and troop pay raises. “We have to lower costs for hard-working California families,” he said. More info. Editor’s Note: The Buzz will feature candidates running for local office this election season, regardless of party affiliation.

Paid Political Advertisement

Students in the Mandarin Immersion Program at Capistrano Valley High School continue to earn national recognition. Indranil Turgerelt, Shreyas Kulkarni, Shana Hsia and Ben Cartledge (pictured) recently captured honors at the National Chinese Speech Contest, where students from across the country wrote and delivered original speeches in Mandarin focused on cultural connection and communication. The achievement builds on last year’s success, when Capo Valley students took home two awards. Principal John Misustin was also selected to deliver a keynote address on behalf of Mandarin immersion program leaders nationwide. More info.

With two weeks left in the school year, Mission Viejo High School students are saying goodbye to classmates and teachers—but one farewell will last much longer. French teacher Samantha Stein is leaving MVHS as the school phases out its French language program, and the halls won't be the same without her. Known for her passion for the language and monthly crêpe-making parties, Madame Stein was a favorite among French learners at all levels. “She brought so much energy and passion to the program. Her enthusiasm and empathy will be remembered,” said student Whitney Towers. — 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].

$888,000, 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,503 sq. ft.

Comfort and affordability in the 55+ Casta Del Sol community. This home’s open-concept layout is enhanced by soaring vaulted ceilings, creating a true sense of grandeur. Beautiful upgrades throughout include new carpet, rich flooring, crown molding, a brand-new dishwasher, newly installed water heater, and newer AC and furnace. The home has also been repiped for added peace of mind. Impeccably maintained and truly move-in ready. More info.

Listing agent: Vimy Nesmith, (949) 678-4216, Regency Real Estate Brokers

Paid Political Advertisement

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

Starting June 9, the Buzz will debut a new pet section with expert care tips, community spotlights, and a dedicated space to celebrate the animals we love. To feature your furry family members, send a photo and a note about what makes your pet one of a kind to [email protected] and we’ll take it from there.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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

Proofreader: Stella Lissak

Mission Viejo Buzz accepts paid political advertising from qualified local candidates.Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement.Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can unsubscribe.