Orange County Blog

Did you know Orange County is home to 14 Regional Parks, 7 Wilderness Parks, and 7 Historical Parks? And besides miles and miles of hiking trails, most of the parks offer amazing community programs.  Today let’s focus on Riley Wilderness Park…

“As a wildlife sanctuary, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park is home to an abundant number of native plants and animal life. Old groves of Western Sycamores and Coast Live Oaks border the park's two seasonally flowing creeks. The remaining land features rolling hills and canyons of Coastal Sage Scrub and grasslands.”  http://www.ocparks.com/wildernessparks/

Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
30952 Oso Parkway
Coto de Caza, CA 92679
(949)923-2265 or (949)923-2266

Astronomy Night - Star Program
October 1st  - 6:45 pm (Sunset) to 9:30 pm
Have you ever been curious about the stars and planets that are visible in the night sky? Have you wondered what they would look like through a telescope? If so, come participate in our Astronomy Night program led by our Volunteer Astronomers for an evening under the stars!
Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $3.00 per vehicle
Special Instructions: Dress for the night weather; Bring beach chairs and maybe a picnic dinner. Please note: Overcast or cloudy conditions cancels event.

Sunset Hike
October 15th - 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Experience Riley Wilderness Park at Sunset by joining a Ranger for a leisurely 1 hour hike through Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub and Grassland communities. Enjoy the wide variety of plants and animals that make their home here.
Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $3.00 per vehicle
Special Instructions: Be sure to wear comfortable weather appropriate clothing and hiking shoes. Bring water and insect repellent. Please - No stroller or Baby Joggers.

Be sure to visit http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/beaches-parks.html to explore all the offerings that OC brings to its residents!

Sand Dollar Guild’s California Cruising Event Benefits Ocean Institute

Dana Point – On Sunday, August 28, 2011, The Sand Dollar Guild is having their annual California Cruising event. Event goers will experience an evening of lively surf music, a sampling of delicious food from local restaurants, a classic Woodie Car display, and casino –themed fun. Guests can try their luck at casino games, enter opportunity drawing and bid for some great silent auction items.

The proceeds of this event benefit the Ocean Institute, nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental and ocean education, and maritime history programs. More than 110,000 k-12 students and 8,000 teachers annually participate in the Institute’s 61 award winning programs.

Since 1988 the Sand Dollar Guild has been dedicated to furthering the education goals of the Ocean Institute by fundraising activities and events. To date the Sand Dollar guild has raised over 1.3 million dollars helping with the capital campaign for the new building, purchasing items over the years to enhance the education programs, ocean in motion van, sails for the pilgrim, squid lights, just to name a few. The new goal is to raise funds for the seaside learning center.

California Cruising
Sunday, August 28, 2011
4:00 to 8:00 pm
Location: Ocean Institute, Samueli Lecture Hall and Conference Center

For more information how to purchase tickets to the event contact
Natasha Berenzden
nberenzden@ocean-institute.org
(949) 496-2274, ext. 412

To learn more about the Sand Dollar Guild go to: www.sanddollarguild.org

 

 

San Clemente, known as the Spanish village by the sea, has a beautiful collection of beaches catering to water sports enthusiasts.  But this quaint community has more activities to offer to its residents and visitors --

The Village Art Fair is held on the FIRST SUNDAY of every month at 9AM and is put on by The Downtown Business Association. Stroll and shop Ave Del Mar where more than 60 vendors will have arts, crafts and other fabulous items.  The Village Art Fair represents an interesting spectrum of arts and crafts - jewelry, ceramic, wood, metals, photography, fine art, hand blown & fused glass, handmade children’s clothing, home and garden items, and more! Discover this wonderful San Clemente tradition! http://www.villagesanclemente.org/artfair.htm

August 14th - San Clemente Street Festival features fun and activities for the whole family, including: Food and game booths sponsored by local nonprofit organizations, three stages with continuous live music throughout the day, contests, a Salsa Challenge, arts & crafts show, business exposition, kiddy rides, a classic car & motorcycle show, exhibits, clowns, jugglers, face painters and much more. No admission charge. For more information, call the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at (949) 492-1131 or visit www.scchamber.com.

Thursday, August 18th at 6:00 pm - The 12th Annual Beach Concert Series is “Bringing the Bands to the Sand!” Join the community to celebrate live music on the beach with the sunset as your backdrop and free seating in the sand http://bit.ly/AuKFN

Saturday & Sunday, August 20-21, 2011 - Arts and Crafts Fair - In partnership with the City of San Clemente, the San Clemente Art Association presents this annual event with over 100 exhibit booths of fine art paintings and hand crafts. Free to the public. For more information, call (949) 369-8343 or visit www.scartgallery.com.

To learn more about San Clemente, visit http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/san-clemente-useful-links.html

 

 

 

Dana Point Turkey Trot Celebrates National Running Day with Opening of 2011 Registration and Call for Sponsors

In honor of National Running Day on June 1, registration for the 34th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot will open to let runners and future runners everywhere celebrate by committing to participate in the nation’s sixth largest turkey trot and “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs,” according to Fitness Magazine. Known for its scenic routes, beautiful Southern California weather, and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, to its 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo and finish line festival.

“The Dana Point Turkey Trot offers something for everyone,” said Laura Ouimet, Executive Director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “Whether working toward your fitness goals, encouraging your kids to get active, checking out the latest advancements in health and fitness at our two-day expo, giving back to the less fortunate, or bonding with thousands of like-minded runners, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is a can’t-miss event this year. We pride ourselves on listening to our participants’ feedback and continuously making enhancements to make this year’s race the biggest and the best to date.”

This year’s Turkey Trot enhancements include wave starts based on anticipated race times to alleviate congestion, stroller-specific wave starts, and widening of the lane for the finish-line shoot. Through its “Miles for Meals” campaign, a portion of proceeds from the Dana Point Turkey Trot will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, an organization working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. For every dollar donated from the Turkey Trot, Second Harvest can provide three meals to a person in need. Ouimet added, “Our work with Second Harvest makes it easy for community members to give back in a big way during the holidays. Just by registering, participants are helping to feed the hungry throughout Orange County.” Annually, the Dana Point Turkey Trot helps raise over $60,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

In conjunction with the opening of its registration on June 1, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is calling for sponsors for this year’s event, ranging from the title sponsorship to Friends of the Turkey Trot sponsorships. Organizations will reach tens of thousands of runners, athletes and community members, and millions more through media impressions, all while making a vital impact on the local economy.

For more information about the 34th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com and follow the event on Twitter at http://twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot. For more information about National Running Day on June 1, 2011, a day for runners everywhere to share their passion for a lifestyle that is one of the best, and simplest, ways to stay fit, visit http://www.runningday.org.

 

Laguna Beach welcomes over 3 million visitors each year and it’s certainly not hard to understand the appeal of this coastal community.  The picturesque canyons, coastal hills, and 7 miles of scenic beaches are hard to resist.  Add in a quaint shopping district, blufftop walkways and a tram system and Laguna Beach becomes a not to miss destination!  During the summer months, an added highlight is the art shows…

Art-a-Fair Festival
 “Art is beauty in its purest form. It inspires us; it brings forth passion; it awes us. This summer, the juried art featured at Art-A-Fair promises to do just this. View fine art by 125 renowned artists and master craftspeople from around the world, across the United States and gifted local artists as well. Stroll through Art-A-Fair's lovely and peaceful garden setting, with cool ocean breezes, and enjoy a memorable day among the artists as they work on their oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood. “

Sawdust Festival
 “The Sawdust will feature the fine art and craft of over 200 Laguna Beach artists and is sure to be the highlight of your summer adventures. Art enthusiasts, collectors, and novice artists have come to the Sawdust since our beginning in 1966 for our mix of fine art and craft. Media include hand-blown and fused glass, painting, jewelry, surf art, ceramics, clothing and textiles, wood and metal sculpture, scrimshaw, photography, and so much more.”

Need other ideas for summer destinations? 
Check out the Entertainment guide on Orange County Resource Guide.com

For some, summer arrives the day school is over.  For others, it becomes official based upon the calendar date of June 21st.  But for many OC residents, summer arrives with a carefree shopping trip with one goal - to fill the closet with shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and sundresses.
 
It’s time to check out the Orange County Marketplace, a far cry from the swap meets of days past. The Orange County Market Place is now one of the largest weekly events in Southern California with some two million visitors each year. With over 1100 merchants and nearly 4 miles of walking aisles, the selling area extends over 20 acres. And while it’s most assuredly a shopping Mecca, it’s so much more!

Take a look…
Shopping:  Antiques, clothing, furniture, food items, beauty supplies, shoes, toys, bikes, sunglasses, mirrors, silk plants, home accessories, pet supplies, jewelry, and the fan favorites…As Seen on TV products!  And this is just a sample of the vast array of available items!

Entertainment: held most every weekend on the ACE productions' Stage presented by KSBR Radio Located across from Carlos Cantina. There is also DJ playing music and a variety of other entertainment featured every weekend on the Golden Mike Entertainment Stage.

Special Events:  Concert Series – Check the website for the current schedule of family friendly bands and activities.
So slap on a hat, some sunscreen and your favorite pair of walking shoes and welcome in summer at the OC Marketplace!

Open Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm
at the OC Fair & Events Center
88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
http://www.ocmarketplace.com

Like to have more options or do you want a shopping marathon?  Take a look at this list of OC Shopping Malls!http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/shopping-malls.html 

A visit to OC is not complete without exploring the only mission in Orange County.First, take a look at an overview as taken from http://www.missionsjc.com

“Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum is the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of 21 missions statewide, and one with a chapel still standing where Fr. Serra once celebrated Mass.

Today it is a monument to California's multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Originally built as a self sufficient community by Spanish Padres and Native Americans, the Mission was a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion”.

Activities at the Mission are designed to be family friendly and budget conscious.  Experience history and culture with audio tours, tour booklets, exhibits, and historical re-enactments.  Museum exhibits are located in both museum rooms as well as throughout the 10-acres of gardens, fountains and beautifully preserved architecture. There are weekly activities just for the kids, summer camp programs, as well as signature events taking place during the summer. Such events include:
Music Under the Stars
Summer concert series of evening concerts beginning Saturday, June 25, 2011 continuing on alternating weekends through Saturday, September 3, 2011. Concert gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Music begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.
Beginning June 25, 2011
Night at the Mission Camping
Adventurous family sleepover that includes touring the museum rooms and grounds at night, activities, dinner and breakfast the next morning.
July 15, 2011
Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala Concert and Dinner
The most exclusive gala benefit hosted in Orange County every year. Features a pre-show hosted reception, extravagant entertainment in the Great Stone Church and the most romantic dinner setting display. Underwriting opportunities available.
Friday, September 16, 2011

Ready to plan your visit to this “Jewel of the Missions”?  Check out the Cultural Centers Quick Link located on the home page of this Orange County Resource Guide.

 

The KSBR Birthday Bash began in 1989 as a small informal end-of-the-membership-drive party in the lounge of what was then the Dana Point Resort.  After the first couple of Bashes, the crowds got so big that the festivities had to move to the lawn of the resort.

In 1996, the Bash made a brief stop at Saddleback College for a (very) hot jam session on the campus softball field. In 1997, the date of the Bash moved to the Memorial Day weekend and the event began a magical 11-year run at the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The growing popularity of the event sent the Bash looking for a new home in 2008, which fortunately was the same time that the City of Mission Viejo completed the beautiful Village Green and the expansion of the Norman P. Murray Community Center.  The Bash moved to its present home in that year, and based on its overwhelming success, the City and KSBR entered into an agreement that assures the event will have plenty of room to grow for the next five years.
There is nothing else like the KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival. Make plans now to experience what happens when more than 30 distinguished musicians - including lots of surprise special guests - join forces to support south Orange County's community radio station.

For more information, go to www.ksbr.com/bash.html and for other great OC Entertainment options, take a look at the Entertainment tab on the homepage of this Orange County Resource Guide.com.

 

Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching kicked off its 40 year anniversary this past February! Dana Wharf is proud to be the first business operating in Dana Point Harbor when it opened in 1971. 

Whale Watching out of the landing was introduced to the schedule in 1971 and has become immensely popular in Southern California.  “We were the first because we were able to operate before the buildings were built” says Don Hansen, Dana Wharf owner and harbor icon. Sportfishing trips depart daily and are also year round.
 
Friend and harbor merchant Bob Mardian opened the Wind and Sea Restaurant after the buildings were completed in 1972.  To this day, Dana Wharf and the Wind and Sea continue to partner together on catering, happy hour cruises, appetizer specials and more!  
 
Dana Wharf will be sharing stories as well as specials for friends on Facebook and Twitter.  Special promotions will also be announced via email blasts and in store promotion. Dan Wharf will announce surprises like a 40th anniversary commemorative fishing t-shirt, a must have for all anglers! 
 
Dana Wharf will highlight something new each month.  In May, the landing will host a birthday celebration where they will roll back all their prices to the 1971 opening date price. Dana Wharf will also host a “Kids Fish Free Month”, a meet the fleet party and many other surprises are also planned.
 
Take a look at their website for all the up to date information http://www.danawharf.com/index.html

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a lifechanging event which brings people together to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against a disease that takes too much.

Teams of 8-15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to camp out at a local high school, park, orfairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events, and each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times.

What Makes Relay so Unique?

Relay For Life gives us an opportunity to celebrate, remember, and fight back. We celebrate cancer
survivors by inviting them to participate in the Survivors Lap, the first lap around the track. The Luminaria Ceremony is another highlight of the event. A Luminaria is a small bag filled with sand, containing a candle that makes it glow. Each Luminaria bears the name of a person who has battled cancer. At dusk, we light all the candles along the path. They burn into the night, honoring and memorializing those who have faced cancer, lighting a path of hope. The event closes with the upbeat fight back ceremony, which reminds us that we have the power to change the course of this disease.

How Can I Get Involved?
To get information on volunteering, becoming a sponsor, or forming a team, call the American Cancer
Society’s office at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.relayforlife.org..

To see a complete list of Relay events in Orange County, take a look at the Relay for Life Quick Link.