July 28, 2026

Hi, . Yesterday, the barista at the coffee shop called my order “perfect.” Later, the grocery store cashier said “perfect” when I handed her my credit card. That night, the restaurant server declared my dinner order “perfect,” too. Who says achieving perfection is impossible? In this week’s Buzz:

Photo by County News Service

The driver of a light-colored sedan was killed early Thursday morning on the Oso Parkway off-ramp from southbound I-5. While the exact cause of the crash is under investigation, it’s possible the male driver may have collided with another vehicle, the force of the impact leaving him trapped inside as the vehicle caught fire. Several motorists stopped to try to help the victim but were unable to extract him from the car. The Orange County Fire Authority ultimately freed the driver, who tragically died at the scene. The off-ramp remained closed for about an hour. Read more.

The Jeronimo Tunnel on the Oso Creek Trail is becoming one of Mission Viejo’s coolest venues for live music. On Wednesday, July 22, the band Elevated Measure performed at the “Paint the Trail Purple” tunnel concert benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life campaign. Mission Viejo native Ryan Belkin leads the band, which performs soulful originals and rock, pop, country and reggae covers. The Paint the Trail concert featured breezy versions of Paul Simon’s “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” Sublime’s “Badfish” and Lionel Richie’s “Stuck on You.” The band’s laid-back Jack Johnson vibe was especially evident when they broke into a couple of Johnson’s hits midway through the show.

A family with four kids was crossing La Paz Road a few weeks ago when a large, iridescent green insect started buzzing around them. Two of the kids screamed and ran. Another burst into tears. Never fear—it was just a figeater scarab beetle. Common throughout Southern California—especially in Mission Viejo, where fruit trees are plentiful—figeaters are harmless. They feed primarily on overripe fruit such as figs, peaches and apricots. They are clumsy fliers, though, and sometimes fly straight into people. Unnerving? Absolutely. Dangerous? Not unless your panicked escape sends you headlong into the side of a building.

Used injectable product devices like lancets, needles and syringes have a way of piling up at home because disposing of them safely is a hassle. The City helps with a sharps deposit container at the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center. Simply put your sharps in a plastic bottle or container, seal it up and visit the front desk, where someone will guide you to the disposal bin. You can also drop off unused or expired medications there. MED-Project is another free disposal option for sharps and medications. Ask your pharmacist about initiating a return through MED-Project when you purchase sharps, or request a mail-back package directly from MED-Project. More info.

Josh Vecchione is no stranger to facing challenges—and coming out on top. The Mission Viejo Community Services Commissioner was named District 38 Community Champion for June by state senator Catherine Blakespear in recognition of his dedication to the LGBTQ+ community, his commitment to civic engagement, and his efforts to advance inclusivity throughout South Orange County. For a man who underwent sex reassignment surgery at age 20 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, he is relentlessly upbeat—positivity he credits to his parents. “My father always said that when you fall down, it’s how you get up that matters. So I’m going to keep dancing and look at the things I can do every day to improve people’s lives.”

Dungeons & Dragons players, board-gamers, card collectors and storytellers have a place to call their own right here in Mission Viejo. TCG Tavern is a locally owned trading card game shop for buyers, sellers and avid players. Since opening its doors in August 2025, the store has grown a massive collection of singles and sealed products across games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and One Piece (to name a few). Tavern founder Isaiah Lopez doesn’t see it just as a store, though: “We’ve built it as a gathering place where players and collectors can hang out, play and feel welcome.” Read more. — Kevin Gramling 📍 27001 La Paz Rd, Ste 412.

MJ Nejad fell in love the first time he saw Peanut on Instagram. She was a puppy found beside a highway in Tehran, Iran, her hind legs paralyzed. After arranging to get her to the United States, MJ was determined to give her as normal a life as possible. He fitted her with a dog wheelchair and treated her like any other pooch, taking her on hikes and to the beach while showering her with plenty of TLC. Peanut thrived—and so did MJ. “I’m lucky to have her. She’s amazing,” said MJ, owner of MJ’s Pet Spaw & Boutique on Alicia Parkway. Now nine years old, Peanut is slowing down a bit and has good days and bad days—pretty normal for a senior citizen, right? Watch Peanut’s story.

Rabbits are the third most popular pets in the U.S. after cats and dogs. In May 2025, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimated that roughly one million households own rabbits. Tokyo hopes to become one of them. The spayed, white-and-black shorthaired rabbit arrived at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on May 27, 2026. Rabbits typically live eight to 12 years, so this approximately 8-month-old bunny could be a warm, cuddly member of your family for many years to come. Meet Tokyo.

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.

$1,939,000, 5 beds, 4 baths, 3,557 sq. ft.

Built in 1996, this home in the guard-gated Canyon Crest development offers a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and functionality. An impressive double-door entry leads into a light-filled, open floor plan enhanced by gorgeous hardwood flooring. The kitchen features crisp white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry and a spacious breakfast nook. Expansive picture windows overlook the resort-style backyard, filling the home with natural light while showcasing the sparkling pool and spa. The primary suite is a private retreat with a luxurious en-suite bath, dual vanities, and an oversized walk-in closet. The upstairs bonus room offers endless possibilities. More info.

Listing agent: Debra Kovacs, (949) 350-0146, Century 21 Affiliated

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

Next week’s issue of the Buzz will debut a number of changes. Articles will be easier to read, with more white space, additional links to related content—including videos—and an improved viewing experience on smartphones. The enhancements are another step toward making the Buzz Mission Viejo’s go-to source for community news and stories you won’t find anywhere else.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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

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