June 16, 2026

Hi, . Will this be the year the USA men’s team finally goes deep into the World Cup? I’m doubtful, but if you need me, please leave a message or wait until halftime. In this week’s Buzz:

Car break-ins are increasing in Mission Viejo, according to Mission Viejo Police Services. There were 19 reported incidents between March 1 and May 31, many of them at our local sports parks. To prevent theft from parked cars, police remind drivers to:

Almost any item that is visible from the outside could be seen as valuable to a thief, including sunglasses, loose change or a shopping bag. If you experience a burglary or theft, report it by calling the Sheriff's Department's non-emergency dispatch line: (949) 770-6011.

Affordable housing is a growing concern as Mission Viejo looks at new development projects. But how do you know if you qualify for one of these units? Eligibility is based on Area Median Income (AMI). For 2026, the Orange County AMI is approximately $104,200 for a one-person household. Most affordable units are reserved for households earning 50% to 80% of AMI—roughly $52,100 to $83,400 for a single person, though limits vary by property and household size. That framework is central to proposals like the Horowitz Group’s 413-unit redevelopment on Marguerite Pkwy, where affordability requirements are currently being contested on appeal. More info.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has begun a six-week slope rehabilitation project along Metrolink railroad tracks near Alicia Pkwy and Los Alisos Blvd. Work runs Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. No road or lane closures are expected, but residents should expect construction noise and more frequent train horns. More info.

Mark Twain, Margaret Atwood and Ray Bradbury all got their start in local papers and magazines. Fancy yourself among them? Here’s your chance. The Mission Viejo Library Writers Group is accepting submissions for its 2026 Literary Anthology through June 30. While the anthology is primarily for Writers Group members, submissions are open to all Orange County residents. Fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction are welcome, provided the work is unpublished and under 4,000 words. Whether you’ve got a short story tucked away in a drawer or a poem you’ve been polishing for years, this is your chance to see your name in print—and perhaps take the first step toward a literary career. More info. — Kevin Gramling

One of Dominique Diaz's earliest memories is watching her mom bake cinnamon rolls, the intoxicating aroma filling the house. Dominique (pictured) would peer through the oven window, watching the dough rise into light, fluffy deliciousness. Years later, after being disappointed by a cinnamon roll from a well-known bakery chain, Dominique set out to create one that lived up to her childhood memories. The result is Doven Bakery, a new vendor at the Mission Viejo Farmers Market. Alongside a classic iced cinnamon roll, Doven offers flavors such as blueberry lemon, cookies 'n cream and Biscoff. Made from scratch daily, the bakery's ooey-gooey creations are a tribute to the rolls that inspired them. More info.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through contact with water or soil contaminated by infected wildlife—most commonly rats—has reached Mission Viejo. Dogs can be exposed by drinking from a puddle, licking grass or cleaning their paws after running through contaminated water. The disease can cause fatal kidney and liver damage. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, fever and changes in urination. Otis (pictured), an otherwise healthy four-year-old border collie that lived in the South Galicia neighborhood, recently lost his life to the disease despite every effort to save him. Mission Viejo Animal Services urges all dog owners to ask their vet about the lepto vaccine. More info.

Dixie, a 14-pound cocoa maltipoo, has been missing since Friday, June 12. She’s been spotted several times in the South Galicia area, most recently on Sunday evening, but is very scared and skittish and has run off each time she’s been approached. If you spot her, the owner recommends you don’t call her name or try to catch her, but try to keep an eye on her and immediately call or text (209) 304-3260.

Mission Viejo resident Daniel has a soft spot for chihuahuas. When his beloved Tater Tot died earlier this year, he set out to adopt a dog that needed him as much as he needed it. A month later, Daniel found Champ at A-Doggo, a rescue organization in Indiana. The two-year-old chihuahua had suffered a severe infection in his right eye that ultimately led to its removal. Champ didn’t seem bothered by the missing peeper, and neither did Daniel. Why chihuahuas? “They’re very loyal,” Daniel said. “They attach to one person, which is kind of what I needed.”

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.

$1,279,000, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,037 sq. ft.

This beautifully upgraded home packs over 2,000 square feet of light-filled living into one inviting package. Step through the airy foyer to open living spaces with wood floors, plantation shutters, crown molding, recessed lighting and dual-pane windows. The family room's fireplace and indoor-outdoor flow make it a natural gathering spot, while the kitchen—granite counters, stainless JennAir appliances, breakfast bar—anchors it all. Upstairs holds four generous bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite. Out back, enjoy a a private retreat with mature landscaping, fruit trees, custom pavers and a built-in BBQ. More info.

Listing agents: Diego and Nazanin Magdaleno, (714) 681-1222, 1Vision Real Estate

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

Thanks for reading today’s Buzz. If you found something interesting or were simply entertained for a bit, share it with your best friend. Maybe they’ll thank you with a nice casserole. We’d also be grateful.

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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