March 17, 2026

Hi, . After a record-breaking warm winter that felt suspiciously like summer, spring arrives this week. We will now continue with our regularly scheduled heat wave. In this week’s Buzz:

Photo by Matt Blake

One school’s disheartening loss is another’s extraordinary gift. KSBR-FM at Saddleback College has agreed to donate its FCC license to Cal State Northridge’s KCSN-FM, which broadcasts as The SoCal Sound. The stations have partnered since 2017 to simulcast the Triple-A (adult album alternative) music format on 88.5 FM. If approved by the FCC, the transfer will end Saddleback’s operation of a traditional over-the-air station through its Cinema TV Radio program, impacting students pursuing radio broadcasting careers. The college will continue offering radio-related classes and may launch an internet station. SoCal Sound General Manager Patrick Osburn called the license donation “generous,” saying it ensures the format will continue serving Los Angeles and Orange counties. Listen.

At a sometimes raucous March 10 City Council meeting, the city’s controversial plan to redevelop 3.87 acres within the existing 33.64-acre Vista Del Lago apartment complex was approved 3–2. The project centers on the construction of a new six-story building with 53 income-restricted apartments. Voting in favor were Mayor Wendy Bucknum, Mayor Pro Tem Brian Goodell and council member Trish Kelly; council members Cynthia Vasquez and Bob Ruesch opposed. Public comments reflected the divide, with proponents citing the need for affordable housing, and opponents raising concerns about traffic, parking, safety, aesthetics and neighborhood quality of life. Mayor Bucknum noted the city had no choice but to approve the project in accordance with California state housing mandates. More info.

As Mission Viejo’s iconic street lights age, original high-pressure sodium fixtures are being replaced with modern LED lamps. The upgrade program has ramped up significantly in recent years as LEDs become more cost-effective and sodium lights reach the end of their lifespan. The new lamps feature a sensor that automatically switches the fixture on or off based on daylight. According to San Diego Gas & Electric, which maintains street lights in south Mission Viejo, LED lamps use significantly less electricity than sodium lights, last longer, and require less maintenance—saving money and lowering carbon emissions by reducing the need for maintenance crew visits.

Mission Viejo has a new top cop. Captain Jonathan Larson takes over as Chief of Police Services this Friday, March 20. The 20-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of roles. His impressive work includes assignments with the Special Investigations Bureau’s South Gang Enforcement, North Narcotics Team, Homicide Bureau, Child Abduction Response Team, and Operations Support and Intelligence Division at the Real Time Operations Center. “I look forward to serving alongside the dedicated team that works hard every day to provide exceptional policing services to the city of Mission Viejo,” says Captain Larson. More info.

Legendary Mission Viejo High School football coach Bob Johnson passed away March 11 at the age of 80 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Johnson is the winningest football coach in Orange County history. He became head coach at MVHS in 1999 and led the Diablos to a state title in 2015. He also mentored young quarterbacks through his Elite 11 football camp, with NFL QBs Mark Sanchez and Carson Palmer among his protégés. His sons, Rob and Bret, also went on to professional careers as quarterbacks. After retiring in 2017, Johnson was inducted into the CIF-SS Hall of Fame in 2018 and the California High School Football Hall of Fame in 2023. For his many accomplishments, Mission Viejo proclaimed him a “Hometown Hero” in 2017.

Long-time Mission Viejo resident Mary Jo Sarrao passed away on February 15 after a brief illness. Mary Jo was born in Needles, California, and grew up in San Bernardino. After graduating from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, she returned to San Bernardino and began her career as a Religious Education teacher at her local Catholic Church. Moving to Mission Viejo in 1971 with her husband, Lou Sarrao, Mary Jo taught at Presbyterian Church of the Master Preschool for more than 27 years. She was also an active volunteer at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, where she directed (and taught) the First Reconciliation and First Communion program for more than 19 years.

Behind the scenes of Mission Viejo High School athletics, a dedicated team of student interns keeps athletes safely in the game. The MVHS Sports Medicine program trains students to tape, ice, assess and rehabilitate injuries while working directly with the school’s teams. Each intern gains real-world medical experience across a variety of sports. Intern Cosette Dubose joined because it “seemed like a great opportunity to connect on campus and engage in a professional medical setting.” She loves “learning new skills, like taping ankles and wrists, as well as attending all the events.” For these students, every game is more than a competition—it’s a classroom.— 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].

$1,699,900, 4 beds, 3 baths, 3,097 sq. ft.

Perched on a cul-de-sac in the South Galicia neighborhood, this turnkey beauty is move-in ready. Step through the vibrant double-door entry and soak in the freshly painted interior, luxury vinyl plank flooring, stained glass accent windows, and soaring cathedral ceilings. The remodeled kitchen features granite countertops, glass tile backsplash, Shaker cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and recessed lighting. A first-floor in-law suite offers a walk-in closet and direct access to the updated guest bath. The primary suite is a private retreat with a brick fireplace, soaking tub, step-in shower, and private view balcony. More info.

Listing agents: Jordan Bennett, 949-282-9381, Leland Pfannenstiel, Regency Real Estate Brokers

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The first day of spring is Friday. There are plenty of activities this weekend to get you outside and enjoying our unseasonably warm weather—from volunteering with the Rotary Club to help feed the hungry to drinking green beer at the “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” Night Market. Take advantage of all our city has to offer!

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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