July 1, 2025

Good morning, . Independence Day is this Friday, which raises the question: Why did Paul Revere ride his horse from Boston to Lexington? Because it was too heavy to carry! In this week’s Buzz:

  • Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular

  • Backyard Amateur Grillers Competition

  • Solace for Hope

  • Out and about

  • Classifieds

  • Weekly weather forecast

Join the ultimate 4th of July celebration

The Mission Viejo Activities Committee is rolling out the red, white and blue carpet for the annual July 4th Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular. At high noon, Olympiad Rd (between Marguerite Pkwy and Melinda Rd) will transform into the ultimate patriotic playground! Live DJs and bands will be there to keep your toes tapping. Carnival-style rides and game booths will thrill the kiddos. Food trucks will tickle your taste buds. And more than 30 vendor booths will showcase unique crafts and must-have gifts. Then, at 9 PM, the grand finale fireworks display will light up the Mission Viejo sky in brilliant bursts of color. Admission is free but parking is limited, so residents are encouraged to bike to the event. Complimentary shuttle service will also be available from 1-8 PM, with stops at 12 convenient locations around Lake Mission Viejo. More info.

NEWS BITS

Mission Viejo residents involved in fatal crash

A tragic accident claimed the life of a 32-year-old Mission Viejo resident on Tuesday evening, June 24, when a Ford Explorer collided with his motorcycle near the intersection of Trabuco Rd and Via Victoria. The crash occurred at approximately 8:22 PM. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The 62-year-old Mission Viejo woman behind the wheel of the Explorer was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The Orange County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact OCSD’s Major Accident Investigation Team at (949) 425-1860. Anonymous tips can be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.

Fire up your BBQs, pit masters!

Think you've got what it takes to be BBQ royalty? Here’s your chance to show your stuff! The Backyard Amateur Grillers Competition is coming to the Mission Viejo BBQ Music Fest, July 25-27, and judges are looking for the ultimate pit masters! Twenty-five teams will be selected to battle it out and spots are filling fast, so gather your crew (up to five members), your secret sauce and get ready to smoke the competition. The Grand Champion walks away $500 richer, with $200 and $100 prizes for runners-up. You need to ACT FAST and register by July 1 to secure your spot! More info.

Musical vacation at Napoli Park

The Pacific Symphony Woodwind Quintet transported several hundred music lovers on a whirlwind musical tour spanning the globe on Friday evening, June 27. Part of the Symphony on the Go series, the free concert at Napoli Park showcased music from England and Eastern Europe to South Africa and Argentina before landing in the Mississippi Delta. The delightful program was complemented by near-perfect weather—just another reason Mission Viejo is such a wonderful place to call home.

PEOPLE & PLACES

You don’t have to face this alone

When I lost my 29-year-old son Keven to suicide after his battle with substance use disorder, my life changed forever. Fortunately, I was already in Solace for Hope, a nonprofit group based here in Mission Viejo that supports those affected by loved ones' drug use and mental health challenges. I credit Solace with helping me survive that first devastating year and beyond. If you or someone you know needs a safe, compassionate space to discuss substance use disorder's impact and loss, Solace for Hope can help. We meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7-9 PM at the Norman Murray Community Center. Virtual attendance is also available. Visit the website for more information or email Maggie Fleitman to RSVP for upcoming sessions. 24932 Veterans Way. – Barbara Legere

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OUT AND ABOUT

Happenings

  • 7/1, Fiesta Tuesday, Oso Creek Golf Course, 4-7 PMTuesday nights are for dinner in the Atrium. Enjoy Santa Maria-style chicken, filet and pulled pork barbecue street tacos, margaritas, complimentary chips and a salsa bar. Reservations not required. 27601 Casta Del Sol.

  • 7/4, July 4th Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular, 12-9:30 PMIndependence Day celebration for the entire family, concluding with fireworks at 9 PM. Rides and games, music, food and fun! Olympiad Rd, between Marguerite Pkwy and Melinda Rd.

  • 7/5, Mission Viejo Farmers Market, 9 AM-1 PMShop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. North Paseo at Los Osos. 25282 Marguerite Pkwy.

Live Music

  • 7/3, Music at the Veranda, Piccolino Ristorante, 6:30-8:30 PMSip, savor and sway to soulful tunes, paired with Piccolino’s memorable Italian dishes. More info. 28719 Los Aliso Blvd.

  • 7/5, Pub Thirty-Two, Steven Shaw, 7-10 PM23962 Alicia Pkwy, #2

Buy, Sell & Trade

  • Tesla Model Y Performance: $33,250Pearl white, black trim, red brakes, 21” uberturbine wheels, carbon fiber spoiler, AWD, dual motors, long-range battery, premium interior. Warrantied through July 2028 or 120k miles. No accidents, dents or dings. Clean title. Willing to help lower registration fees and taxes. Contact Jeff.

  • Wood dining table and chairs: $300Elegant wood dining table with matching chairs, perfect for any dining room. Contact Fahima.

  • Snowboard: $200Special edition snowboard with a Tim Salmon Golf Classic logo and signed by Tim. Contact James.

  • Joola ping pong table: $150Lightly used professional MDF indoor table with Quick Clamp net and post set. Tournament quality. Foldable with wheels for easy transport and storage. Paddles and balls included. Contact Keith.

  • Vintage Jewel Tea Set: $70Includes teapot, pitchers, salt and pepper shakers and plates with floral design. Contact Helen.

Having a yard or garage sale? Got stuff you want to sell or give away? List it here for free! Simply send your listing, including contact information and a photo to [email protected].

Your Weekly Forecast

THANKS FOR READING THE BUZZ!

My wife and I enjoyed Symphony on the Go at Napoli Park on Friday night and paddleboarding on Lake Mission Viejo on Sunday afternoon. Sure feels like summer! Get out there and enjoy it!

Keith Lissak

Publisher/Editor

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