July 14, 2026

Hi, . My wife and I just celebrated our 22nd—or copper—wedding anniversary, so I gave her a shiny penny for a present. She gave it back and asked for an HVAC condenser coil instead. In this week’s Buzz:

Hundreds of people lined the streets for the Mission Viejo Parade celebrating 250 years of the American story on Saturday, July 11. Vintage cars, marching bands, floats, dignitaries and local organizations made their way along Marguerite Parkway and La Paz Road as spectators cheered from the sidelines. Shriners zipped around in miniature cars, the Founding Fathers and Betsy Ross rode patriotic floats, and equestrian teams trotted through the parade route. Maya Parris of Soul Movement Pilates said she attended to support the community where she grew up. For Karen, an employee at The Shirt Cannery since it opened 50 years ago, there was no other place she'd rather be. As Julie Marshall and her Shirt Cannery team marched by, Karen grabbed her walker and proudly joined her co-workers. Watch parade highlights.

Fans of barbecue were in hog heaven last weekend at the second annual BBQ Music Fest. The mouthwatering aroma of meat smoking over hickory and mesquite could be smelled blocks away from the event at Oso Viejo Community Park. Pitmasters like Robert Earl (pictured) served up heaping plates of smoked pork and beef ribs, brisket, tri-tip and chicken to hungry attendees—while supplies lasted. By Saturday afternoon, many purveyors had run out of their most popular items, leaving attendees to dream about the succulent, tender, fall-off-the-bone treats they missed. Even so, a full slate of live music, cold beer and cocktails, and carnival rides and games for the kids helped ensure a smokin’ good time for all.

This year’s 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Mission Viejo was not quite a dud, but was beset by problems that led to an anti-climactic event for many attendees. According to the Mission Viejo Activities Committee, two boys dressed in black repeatedly ran into the fireworks danger zone, forcing the pyrotechnics team to chase them off. As a result of the delay, the big finale could not be launched because changing winds were causing sparks to land in the wrong spot, leading to a fire hazard. Wrote one disappointed resident on Nextdoor: “I thought with this being the 250th anniversary, it would have been extra special. Far from it.”

The 2026 Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is this Friday at 4 PM on the Village Green at Oso Viejo Park. It’s a great opportunity to meet with representatives from a range of businesses that call Mission Viejo home. For business owners, it’s a valuable way to connect with Mission Viejo’s diverse, multi-generational residents. The Buzz will have a booth at the event, so stop by and say hello. At 6 PM, the high-energy band Tijuana Dogs will perform live on the Village Green. There will also be food and beverages, along with activities for the kids, making it a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss. More info.

When it’s time to de-stress, some people soak in a warm bath. Mission Viejo sound healer Chelsey Whitaker offers a different experience: the sound bath. Sound baths use singing bowls, bells, chimes, ocean drums and other instruments to create soothing sounds and vibrations that promote relaxation and heightened awareness. Whitaker discovered sound baths during her recovery from substance abuse. “It’s what helped me begin my healing journey from addiction,” she said. She moved to Mission Viejo from Los Angeles to be close to her job at Crystal Cove Recovery in Laguna Beach, and also leads private sound-healing sessions in people's homes. “This is what I was meant to be doing,” she said. Learn more about Chelsey and sound healing.

Mission Viejo has a new watering hole. Mac’s Tavern has opened in the space formerly occupied by Costello’s, in Puerta Real Plaza. The soft opening was several weeks ago, and the permanent signage is not yet installed, but Mac’s is already attracting a crowd. Last Thursday, most seats at the bar were filled during Happy Hour, and many tables were occupied by diners enjoying sandwiches, burgers, salads and pizza. With big-screen TVs throughout the space and a stage tucked in the corner, Mac’s looks to be a great place to catch a game and hear live music. 📍 27567 Puerta Real.

Bridget, a black Lab/Plott Hound mix, was born to run. With a strong chest and narrow waist, she was built for speed—and stamina. She was found as a five-month-old puppy roaming backroads in Lassen County, in Northern California, before finding her forever family in San Jose. As a young dog, she was the fastest pooch at the local dog park. Once, after escaping her yard, Bridget led a pursuing teenage good Samaritan on a nearly two-mile run before giving up the chase. She could also jump several feet straight up to catch a ball or a treat. Today, like many seniors, the 13-year-old has settled into her golden years right here in Mission Viejo. Her favorite pastime now? You guessed it—sleeping. See Bridget in action.

Adopting a senior dog can be incredibly rewarding for both the dog and the owner. Chevy is a red and white Alaskan Malamute mix who is more than ready for his forever home. The nine-year-old male has been at the Mission Viejo Animal Services shelter since March—way too long! He’s sweet and gentle, and still thinks he’s a puppy. He’ll greet you with a smile and gently wagging tail every time you walk in the door, and enjoys leisurely walks and belly rubs. If you’re interested in meeting Chevy, visit the shelter or call (949) 470-3045.

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. 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.

$499,000, 2 beds, 1 bath, 780 sq. ft.

Affordability in Mission Viejo! Filled with natural light, this condo in Hillcrest Village features an open-concept floor plan, contemporary countertops, white shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances. There’s also central air conditioning and a cozy fireplace. The primary bedroom offers a walk-in closet, while the second bedroom can be used as a guest room or home office. Parking is easy with a one-car garage and two additional spaces. Residents enjoy a community pool, spa and BBQ area, along with membership to Lake Mission Viejo. The unit is ideally located just minutes from Saddleback College and The Shops at Mission Viejo. More info.

Listing agent: Francis Palacios, (818) 231-2075, Equity Smart Real Estate Services

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

The other day, I checked out the new fuel-only Costco gas station off the 5 freeway, near the Krispy Kreme on El Paseo. With 40 pumps, it was virtually empty. Then I immediately drove to the Costco on Crown Valley Pkwy for some shopping, and that gas station had lines several cars deep. Just sayin’…

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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