July 7, 2026

Hi, . I can’t get enough of watching World Cup matches, but I still don’t understand stoppage time. Apparently, neither do the referees. In this week’s Buzz:

It was hot. It was humid. But that didn't stop thousands of folks from attending the 4th of July Street Faire to honor 250 years of the American story. Three stages kept a continuous lineup of live music going throughout the day, while food and beverage trucks helped everyone satisfy their cravings for burgers, corn dogs, cotton candy, beer and wine, and other goodies. Craft vendors offered jewelry, hats, clothing, leather goods, and all manner of patriotic keepsakes, and military and community service organizations added local flavor. The day was capped by a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Mission Viejo.

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You don’t have to be an accomplished quilter or sewist to participate in Mission Viejo Library’s Community Quilt project celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. All you need to do is submit an unfinished 6½-inch block made from nine 2½-inch squares. Your block should be made with patriotic or other family-friendly fabrics. The deadline for submitting your contribution is August 31. The final commemorative quilt will be unveiled this fall.

Submission Details

If you’ve spotted people on the Oso Creek Trail wearing heavy backpacks, you’ve likely seen one of fitness’s fastest-growing trends: rucking. Popularized by military training, rucking is simply walking, hiking or running with a weighted backpack or vest. South Galicia resident J.P. told the Buzz he traded running for rucking to give his knees a break. “I can now walk the neighborhood instead of running and feel like I’m getting just as good a workout,” he said. While any sturdy backpack can work, packs and vests designed specifically for rucking keep the weight snug against your back for added comfort. If you’re curious, start light—about 15 pounds—and happy rucking!

Mission Viejo is one of the country’s most recognizable master-planned communities, but not the first of its kind. In 1929, Radburn, New Jersey, helped define large-scale suburban planning, followed by Levittown, New York, in the late 1940s. What sets Mission Viejo apart is its execution. In the 1960s, The Mission Viejo Company designed the entire city from scratch, laying out schools, parks, shopping centers and streets before a single home was built. The result wasn’t a city that grew organically—it was constructed piece by piece from a blueprint designed for Southern California suburban life.

After 39 years as the former owner of Kwik Kopy Printing on Marguerite Pkwy—and a term as the city's mayor—people might assume Dave Leckness would spend retirement relaxing in a lawn chair, perfecting his golf game or mastering the art of afternoon naps. They’d be wrong. Instead, Leckness launched his newest venture: an airport shuttle service. Unlike app-based drivers who rely on GPS to find South Orange County, Dave actually knows his way around. His passengers can expect help with luggage, stories about Mission Viejo’s past, and, most importantly, Dave’s trademark toothy grin behind the wheel. His motto is simple: “I’ll get you there.”

Ride with Dave

The beverages from Packo’s E.V. Kaffee are as good to drink as they are pretty to look at. Packo Lopez’s organic espresso bar serves up hot and iced coffee and tea in homemade flavor combinations, many topped with perfectly crafted foam art. His Basito de Naranja is a citrusy blend of fresh orange zest, Mexican vanilla, espresso and steamed milk. La Chatita is espresso kicked up with homemade horchata. Lopez’s foam creations range from intricate birds to delicate floral designs to charming faces. Packo’s E.V. Kaffee can be found at events across Southern California, including the Mission Viejo Farmers Market on most Saturday mornings.

Follow Packo

About one in three pets will go missing at some point. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center alone sees roughly 3,000 animals each year. If your pet disappears, you should check the shelter regularly, file a lost-pet report, provide a photo and contact local veterinarians. Officials also recommend visiting the shelter as often as possible rather than relying on phone calls to see if it’s shown up, and expanding your search to neighboring communities. Resources like Petco Love, a central, searchable database that helps pets reunite with their families, can also make a critical difference. Most importantly: don’t give up. Many pets are reunited with their families weeks after going missing.

Golden is a sweet and sensitive one-year-old male cat looking for his forever home. He can be nervous in new settings but is quick to warm up. The staff at Mission Viejo Animal Services says he’ll do best in a loving home where he can gets lots of love and attention. He may even do well with another cat in the home, if slowly introduced. Visit Golden at the shelter.

Meet Golden

We want to meet your pets! Furry, feathery, scaly or anything in between—all creatures great and small that call Mission Viejo home are invited to appear in our Critter Corner section. Send a photo or video, along with a few words about what makes your companion one of a kind, to [email protected] and we'll take it from there.

$6,250,000, 5 beds, 5 baths, 6,020 sq. ft.

Experience elegant waterfront living on Lake Mission Viejo. Fully renovated in 2013, this stunning home showcases custom, top-tier finishes throughout. You’re welcomed by soaring ceilings, exquisite stone flooring and a grand wraparound staircase. Additional highlights include a chef’s kitchen with stone accent walls; temperature-controlled wine room; home gym; media room; and luxurious primary suite. The true showstopper is a backyard oasis featuring a pool and spa, built-in BBQ, fire pits, multiple seating areas and private dock.

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Listing agents: Joshua Altman, (310) 595-3888, Matthew J. Altman, (310) 819-3250, Douglas Elliman of California

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

True story: I wanted to try a new pizza spot and turned to the list of local pizza places on the Mission Viejo Buzz website. I tasted several and now have a new favorite. Next time you’re craving a slice or a pie, check out our Local Guide to pizza restaurants for one near you.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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

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