April 7, 2026

Hi, . I’m fascinated by NASA’s return trip to the moon after 50 years. I’ve already streamed many hours of live coverage on YouTube—so yeah… I’m officially a dork. In this week’s Buzz:

The heartbreaking story of Zak and Cori Salazar’s fight against cancer continues to touch people around the world. The Mission Viejo couple, parents of three young girls, are both facing ongoing cancer battles after Zak was treated for a malignant brain tumor and Cori for thyroid cancer three years ago. Despite a recent scare for Zak and a new pancreatic cancer diagnosis for Cori, the Salazars remain determined to stay strong for their daughters. Their story of grace in the face of tremendous hardship, first reported in 2023, was featured most recently on ABC 7’s Eyewitness News and as far away as New Zealand. Donations to assist the Salazar family can be made at their GoFundMe page.

The Mission Viejo Poetry + Art Collaborative is coming soon—and it’s bringing our community together through the alchemy of words and images. Here’s how it works: Poets (ages 10+) submit one to three original poems. Visual artists then choose one of the poems and create a piece of art inspired by it. The collaboration culminates in a June gallery exhibit at the Mission Viejo Library, where attendees can meet the poets and artists. Whether you wield a pen or a paintbrush, this is your moment to connect, create, and shine. The deadline for poetry submissions is April 24. Pictured: “Coyote” by Marianne Tierney, based on the poem “Coyote” by Steph Rae Moran. More info.

At the March 24 City Council meeting, the Mission Viejo Rotary Club received a special commendation as part of the America 250 celebration honoring nonprofits that have shaped America and our community. Mayor Wendy Bucknum praised the club for faithfully serving Mission Viejo since 1974 by supporting literacy and education, partnering on food drives for food-insecure families, awarding scholarships to deserving high school students, and contributing thousands of dollars and man-hours to local and international service projects. Thank you, Mission Viejo Rotary, for 50+ years of making our community stronger! More info.

The Summer Olympics return to Los Angeles in 2028, and Southern California residents—including those of us in Mission Viejo—have multiple opportunities to purchase tickets for their favorite events—including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The initial LA Locals Presale is currently underway, but it’s not too late to register for future ticket draws. Sign up for the LA28 newsletter to stay in the know. With more than 55 sports and 800 events happening at venues throughout Southern California—including the surfing competition at Trestles Beach in San Clemente—don’t miss your chance to attend this global celebration of sport, culture, and unity right in our backyard. More info.

Maine lobster is considered a delicacy in this part of the country. In 2012, Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac presented their idea to offer it from food trucks in Southern California on the TV show “Shark Tank,” and the Cousins Maine Lobster business was born. In 2019, OC natives Roshan Patel and Yatrik Bhatt opened a franchise serving Orange and San Bernardino counties. Often found at the Mission Viejo Farmers Market and Night Market, their truck feeds hungry seafood lovers with wild-caught, sustainably harvested lobster from the coast of Maine. The lines for Cousins’ lobster rolls, lobster bisque, lobster quesadillas and other specialties are proof that even fishy ideas can make a splash. More info.

Mission Viejo High School senior Jayden Harville is about to hit the big screen as a young Jermaine Jackson in the upcoming biopic Michael. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film follows the life of the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career. Harville says there were months of rehearsals for the cast, helping the actors come together as a family and build a sense of trust that allowed him to fully inhabit the role of Jermaine. As the movie nears its April 24 open, Harville hopes audiences leave the theater remembering “the feeling that Michael Jackson’s music gave them… and the connection and joy he brought to so many lives.” — Myrra Uppuluri

Trabuco Hills High blood donors showed up big on March 11 for the school’s blood drive, collecting 69 units to blow past the Red Cross goal of 52. Of those, 50 were whole blood donations—containing red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma—and 19 were Power Red (which yields nearly double the red blood cells per donor). With two drives this school year totaling 144 units, THHS may have impacted up to 432 lives—from trauma victims to cancer patients and transplant recipients. Massive thanks to every donor, volunteer and Red Cross staffer who made it happen. You’re literally lifesavers!

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].

$1,499,900, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,332 sq. ft.

This South Mission Viejo home has it all! From the moment you arrive, lush landscaping and stunning curb appeal set the tone. Inside, soaring ceilings and natural light fill a spacious layout featuring a step-down living room, formal dining room and a chef's kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless appliances. A brick fireplace anchors the family room. There are plantation shutters throughout. Upstairs, the master suite impresses with vaulted ceilings and an executive bath with dual vanities and separate tub and shower. Out back, a large covered patio is perfect for entertaining. More info.

Listing agent: Elias Klaeb, 949-888-1500, Premier Team Real Estate

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A few months back, I met Jayden Harville, a member of MVHS’s drama department whose star is rising. He portrays a young Jermaine Jackson in Michael, the upcoming film about Michael Jackson’s early career. I’m looking forward to seeing his performance—and what comes next.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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