TOGETHER WITH
Hello Back Bay Beaus, happy Friday!
Easter is early this year, it is time to secure the brunch bag if you have not already. Just don’t expect any Topo Chico at your AM contrast therapy sober EDM rave, because we’re all out.
To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.
In today’s Buzz:
Where all the Topo Chico Went
Estate Sale for Charity
Easter Activities for the littles
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz
Estate Sale Fundraiser This Weekend:
The German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is holding a vintage and collectibles estate sale fundraiser on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 305 Flower St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. The sale features a huge collection of items including antiques, artwork, lamps, and tabletop decor to benefit rescued dogs.
Key Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Location: 305 Flower Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Items: Curios, vintage collectibles, artwork, lamps, and furniture (no clothing, jewelry or shoes)
Highlights: Items sourced from donated storage units; resellers are welcome.
Restrictions: No early birds.
All proceeds go directly to supporting the homeless dogs at GSROC. See you there!
Where is All the Topo Chico?
Hi-Time still has it but it will cost you…
If you’ve been scanning the beverage aisle lately, you’ve likely noticed a major gap where those yellow-labeled glass bottles usually sit. The Topo Chico shortage is officially hitting Southern California, and it’s tied directly to the source in Monterrey, Mexico. Recent geological shifts at the Cerro de la Silla wells have forced a total production halt as Coca-Cola works on a massive infrastructure overhaul to protect the water’s famous mineral profile. It’s a major project, and it means the iconic glass bottles won't be back on our local shelves in full force for a few more months.
Southern California is feeling the pinch more than most because we are one of the brand's top markets globally. Between high retail demand and local restaurants trying to keep their signature drinks on the menu, the remaining stock has dried up fast. While we expect to see a small trickle of supply return this July, industry experts say we’re looking at late August or early September before the supply chain in the Southwest fully stabilizes. Some local shops like Hi-Times Wine Cellar still have reserves in stock, but the current asking price for a 24 pack is $55. The following are the BBB approved alternatives:
Private Selection Sparkling Mineral Water: Much less minerally than Topo Chico, gets close enough. Branding is wack. About the same price as pre-shortage TC.
Sprouts Italian Sparkling Mineral Water with lime: Much softer mouthfeel than TC, good lime flavor that pairs well with the mineral profile. Great for mocktails, not tangy enough for Ranch Water.
Rambler Original: “The sparkling water that drinks like a beer”. HA. We have heard that one before. Notable mineral taste, less bitey bubbles, great branding, cheap enough to not care it isn’t beer.
PSA:
It would be weird if there was a shark in East Newport…
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“There’s no crying on the Duffy”
peak male performance…
Fourth Friday’s Vintage Market - Lido Village
Friday Mar 27th
12-5pm
InfoGet Some $1 Ribs - Harper BBQ
Friday Mar 27th
InfoBeach & River Cleanup in Newport Beach
Saturday, 28 March
9:00 am - 11:30 am
InfoSurf Buy-Sell-Trade - DayDream Surfshop
Saturday Mar 18th
10am
InfoEstate Sale - 305 Flower St. Cost Mesa
Saturday Mar 28th
8am-1pm
InfoSUP Yoga - Patrol Beach NB
hosted by Ekam Yoga & Pilates
Sat Mar 28th
10-11:30pm
InfoSoul Night Dance Party - Semitropic Wines
Saturday Mar 28th
7-10
Info
UPCOMING:
Newport Needlepoint Club Meetup - Newport Needlepoint
“2026 is the year for Grandma hobbies”
Tuesdays 6-8pm
InfoTrivia Night - Bootlegger’s Brewery
Tuesdays 7-9pm
DirectionsFree Yoga Class - Seed Peoples Market
Wednesdays @ 10am
InfoBaby Goat Yoga - Tanaka Farms
Saturdays 10am (Hana Field)
InfoBig Boat Show (NBIBS) - Lido Village
April 16th-19th
InfoRecord Store Day - Various Locations
Saturday Apr 18th
Check out all locations in The Back Bay Map RoomFree Swing Dance Lesson (Guinness World Record) - Peninsula Park
Sunday Apr 19th
10-12:30pm
InfoAirIWater Porsche Lifestyle Event - OC Fairgrounds
Saturday Apr 25th
9am-3pm
TicketsSongs in the Canyon - Canyon Park (Costa Mesa)
June 12-14
Info
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?
Check out our great partner newsletter:
🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2
THIS WEEKEND:
Wild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)
Friday, 27 March
10:00 am - 11:00 am
InfoStorytime with Goats at Hana Field in Costa Mesa ($15)
Friday, 27 March
10:30 am - 11:00 am
InfoReading in the Redwoods in Newport Beach ($5-$7 - Registration Required)
Saturday, 28 March
10:00 am - 11:30 am
InfoStrawberry Festival at Tanaka Farms ($29 for Ages 3+)
Saturday, 28 March
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
InfoMayor's Egg Race in Newport Beach
Saturday, 28 March
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
InfoPetting Zoo and Easter Bunny at Lido Marina Village
Saturday, 28 March
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
InfoSpring Hootenanny ($30 per Family) - DM for tickets/address
Sunday Mar 29th
10-11am
Info
Worth the Drive:
Plan Ahead:
Critter investigations - Upper Newport Bay
3rd Wednesday of each month
10-11am
InfoStem Workshop - Carters x Kiwi Co. (Tustin Market Place)
Second Saturday of Every Month
10am -12pm
RSVPSpringfest: A Pirate Adventure - Lions Park
Treasure Egg Hunt
Saturday Apr 4th
10-2pm
InfoImaginology Fest - OC Fairgrounds
Sat-Sun April 11-12
10am-4pm
InfoMothing Night - Fairview Park
Much ado about mothing…
Friday Apr 24th
After Dark
InfoEarth Day Fest - Costa Mesa City Hall
Saturday Apr 26th
10am-2pm
Info
Farmers Markets 🥬🥕:
Newport Pier Farmer’s Market
Costa Mesa - SOCO (Saturdays 9-2)
Corona Del Mar - PCH & Marguerite (Saturdays 9-1)
Newport Beach - Newport Pier (Sundays 9-1)
Newport Harbor - Dover Dr & 16th St (Saturdays 9am-1pm) Launching Spring 2026
🌴 Costa Mesa
Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor out bartering family heirlooms for for Topo Chico…
PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!
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