Orange County Blog

Yes, it’s that time of year when kids are squeezing in that last bit of recreation before settling down to hit the books.  It feels just yesterday when they were counting down how many more days until summer vacation.   But a new school year is looming in and now is the best time to get organized so you don’t find yourself scrambling on the first day of school.  Here are some tips to make the start of school smooth and panic free.

♦ Start moving bedtime back so it’s not such a shock to the system when the alarm clock rings when it is still dark outside
♦ Shop for a backpack.  Rolling backpacks work great for elementary school kids while middle and high school students prefer the traditional style.
♦ Go back to school shopping.  But first, be sure to assess what they actually need and make a list.  Check the ads and be a savvy shopper.
♦ Designate a place in the house for schoolwork.  Nothing is more frustrating than completing homework and then not being able to find it.
♦ Discuss lunch options.  Kids appreciate being a part of the decision making process and if they have a choice about what goes in their lunch, it’s not as likely to be thrown or traded away.
♦ Choose a central place for the family calendar.  Some families find it helpful to use a different color marker for each family member’s activities.  

A new school year brings excitement, activities, friends, and opportunities.  Be sure to make the most of it!

For parents interested in learning more about the schools in their area, an informative website is http://www.schoolfinder.ca.gov/  Learn about test scores, course offerings, and more.

Moving is hard work, both physically and emotionally.  And for children, moving can be particularly difficult.  They will have many questions and concerns. Why do they have to move? Will they be able make new friends? Will their new house have room for all their toys?  Can they keep their pets?  So before the packing begins, parents should start preparing their child for the big day. To learn how to make the big move just a little easier, visit www.welcometooc.com

In Orange County, being environmentally aware and reducing our carbon footprint is a big focus in our lives.  But did you ever stop to consider what chemicals you are putting onto your face? Does parabens, harsh chemicals, petroleum, synthetic colors and fragrances, Paraffin, PABA, mineral oil, propylene-glycol, phthalates, genetically modified organic material, DEA and animal ingredients sound like a smart investment in you and in your skin. Today’s savvy women are putting pressure on the cosmetic companies to produce organic products because while we care about our skin, we are not ready to give up the luxury of make-up.  The major focus of “green cosmetics” is the ingredients and the more organic the ingredients the better.

Ready to get started? Ease into going green with these tips...www.welcometooc.com

Traffic Blues?  Help Arrives from Measure M & OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com

In spite of having the state divert many transportation dollars (intended for local road improvement) to the general fund, OC is in better shape due to Measure M assuring those dollars stay here. Mission Viejo puts its portion of the Measure M funds to great use:   Crown Valley Parkway, a major east-west arterial route, has been widened by one additional lane in each direction.  Additional turn lanes were constructed at 3 intersections.  These improvements were essential as Crown Valley’s current vehicle usage of 78,000 vehicles a day is expected to grow to 89,000 a day as more people are choosing to make South OC their home.  Additional traffic projects include traffic signal coordination on Oso Parkway. 

Whether heading off to a productive day of work, or a productive day of play, traffic flow is always an issue for South County residents. To check on "real time" traffic conditions, visit http://www.OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com/oc-traffic-conditions.html and make your travel time more efficient. 

To optimize your gas purchases, look for the lowest gas prices in your area at http://www.OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com/gas-prices.html

You can wind down the summer and support south Orange County’s community radio station at the third annual KSBR Morning Breeze Schmooze. It’s coming Sunday evening, September 6 at 6 p.m. at the Dana Marina Center courtyard in Dana Point Harbor.

You’ll dine under the stars while being serenaded by world-renowned violinist Scarlet Rivera (www.scarletrivera.com); pianist and composer Kori Linae Carothers (www.koritunes.com); New Age Reporter Piano Album of the Year nominee Denise Young (www.deniseyoung.com); songwriter and multi-instrumentalist John Luttrell (myspace.com/johnluttrellmusic); and NAR Album of the Year winner Jeff Oster and friends (www.jeffoster.com). 
Featured will be sumptuous appetizers from What a Dish Bistro (www.whatadish.biz), a buffet dinner from Mahé (www.eatatmahe.com) and Two Guys Grilling (www.twoguysgrilling.com), and desert from It’s All About the Cake (www.itsallaboutthecake.com).

Throughout the concert, you will be able to bid on several original pieces of surf art as well as a customized Morning Breeze surf board created by Paul Carter during a silent auction.Tickets for this distinctive event, including the concert, dinner, and beverages begin at just $55, and fewer than 180 tickets are being sold.  For an extra special experience, you are invited to purchase a Cruiser Pass for $100.  With a Cruiser Pass, you will be treated to a special pre-concert sunset cruise aboard the Ocean Institute’s sailing ship, Spirit of Dana Point (beginning at 4:30), plus you will be seated at the tables closest to the stage.  You may purchase tickets by logging on to www.KSBR.org.  For more information, you may call KSBR’s Membership Services office at (949) 582-4501.

The Morning Breeze is the most popular specialty show on KSBR (88.5 FM), featuring an eclectic blend of electronic and acoustic World and New Age Music Saturdays 5 – 9 A.M. and Sunday 5 A.M. - noon. It is easy to forget that the Morning Breeze programming is commercial free because the flow of the music elevates you beyond those concerns. However, the way KSBR is able to provide this great music without interruption is by receiving the support of its listeners.  This will be an exciting way to treat yourself to a special experience while supporting the station that brings you the unique music of the Morning Breeze every Saturday and Sunday morning. KSBR (88.5 FM) is a commercial-free contemporary jazz and community information station serving Orange County and is broadcasted from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.KSBR’s primary format is contemporary jazz and offers weekend specialty shows featuring other musical styles such as Techno, Reggae, Folk, Latin Jazz, and Blues.

KSBR began broadcasting in 1975 when the FCC granted an educational license to the Saddleback Community College District. In 1979, KSBR was granted a power increase to cover all of south Orange County and began broadcasting jazz as part of its programming.  KSBR is operated by Saddleback College Communication Arts students and is funded through membership drives, local fundraising events, and sponsorships.

28000 Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo CA 92692  www.KSBR.org
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Thomas A. Fuentes, William O. Jay, David B. Lang, Marcia Milchiker, Nancy M. Padberg, Donald P. Wagner, John S. Williams Dr. Raghu P. Mathur, Chancellor  SADDLEBACK COLLEGE: Tod A. Burnett Ed.D., President

Are newspapers a thing of the past?  For many of Orange County’s savvy residents, online news is more practical as well as efficient.  We want read the news on our computers and on our phones, at our leisure or when we need our news on the go.  Newspaper content may be shrinking, but internet news is on the rise. Classifieds have declined drastically with the advent of sites such as Craig’s List and Monster.  Online news also makes it easier to find older information or to re-read that article that came out last week. Most of us would rather use a search function than dig through a pile of old newspapers! And don’t discount the importance of going green and reducing our carbon footprint.

Staying up to date on news is imperative to today’s Orange County residents, yet time is always a precious commodity.  For a quick, informative read of the latest in O.C. News, visit http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/oc-news/local-orange-county-news.html  The bullet point style encourages a fast scan of up to date news with the option of learning more as time and interest allows. OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com goes beyond offering the latest news.  Learn what each city offers, search for restaurants, entertainment, business listings, and more.   Stay current on “Everything O.C.” and don’t get left behind.

Ah, summer. How we love the relaxing days of summer.  It’s the time of the year that children daydream about all school year and parents strive to find ways to keep their children busy.  Although theme parks and movie theatres are exciting and entertaining, they can be a drain on the bank account.  Besides they are not the only way to entertain on those warm, lazy days of summer. 

Most communities offer an alternative – concerts in the park.  San Clemente takes us to the coastal sand for their concerts while Dana Point brings us the bluffs with gorgeous ocean views.  Rancho Santa Margarita calls us to picnic in the park and San Juan Capistrano entertains us just a block from the Mission.  Best of all, this time with family and friends is free.  Bring a blanket or chairs and a willingness to enjoy music which may vary from the 60’s, disco, country, or good ol’ rock and roll.  Besides the fun at summer concerts, most communities also offer great family activities on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.  How wonderful to enjoy activities right in your own backyard!

For an easy way to review all the cities in your area and what activities they offer, visit http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/city-information.html

It’s time to slide into summer and dance the night away.

One of the top ten stressors in a person’s life is moving.  Whether the move is across country or across town, there is so much to do, so much to consider, so much to remember. Coming to the rescue for the harried homeowner is  www.orangecountyresourceguide.com   The Moving/Relocation tab http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/moving/relocation-resources/ has much needed resources to make the entire process run more smoothly. 

Take a moment to pursue the following articles:

* Watching Out for Real Estate Scams - Stop and look both ways before being "hit" by these real estate scams.
* Where Do Most Americans Want to Live? - If given the choice of living in any state, most Americans would choose California
* Living in the OC – Museums, shopping, camping, beaches…OC has it all
* Time to Move - Are You Ready? - So you’re serious about moving—obviously an important decision.  What do you need to consider as you are making plans
* Moving Check List - Making a list and checking it twice… there’s so much to do when it’s time to move. From researching the new community, choosing a moving company, turning on utilities, and even keeping kids and pets happy, the tasks can seem overwhelming. Keep this checklist handy to stay on track and ease the stress.
* Move Yourself or Hire a Mover? - Moving can be a physically and emotionally exhausting experience. Is it better to hire a mover or can you go it alone?
* Relocating & Taxes - Tax time can certainly be confusing, to say the least. Relocating, like most major events in life, comes with certain tax ramifications. Your tax professional can give you in depth information, but here are a few tips!
* Preparing Your Child to Move - Moving is hard work, both physically and emotionally. And for children, moving can be particularly difficult. They will have many questions and concerns. So before the packing begins, parents should start preparing their child for the big day.
* Packing Antiques and Art Work -Whether moving across town or across the country, it can be challenging to safeguard such fragile items as antiques and artwork. The key to arriving with all your precious pieces in one piece is to take your time in packaging your possessions and to use the correct materials.
* Registering Your Vehicle Upon Moving to California - Find out what's required to register a nonresident vehicle as well local DMV offices.
* Organizing the Dreaded Garage - It’s time to get organized!  Find out the best way to tackle that crazy clutter that is clogging your garage.
* South Orange County's Traffic Relief Alternative - New homeowners don’t just purchase a new house or condominium; they invest in a lifestyle. In South Orange County, the Toll Roads have been a boon to the community’s quality of life and have provided significant traffic relief for residents and businesses throughout the region.

 Everyone desires that sacred, special place to relax and unwind outside. A place to retreat outdoors after spending the day in traffic rushing from one place to another, or being stuck in a cramped cubby inside a hermetically sealed office. Whether you have a small space and desire to quietly unwind while reading a book or a larger area to use for entertaining, an outdoor deck or patio is an extension of your home.

Whether you desire a deck, patio or both it is important to plan your project to suit your style. How will you be using the area? Do you entertain, have children? What is the traffic flow like in your yard? Do you have a view? If so, remember to orient the patio to make the most of your view.  Also take into consideration sun, shade and wind. Don’t overlook small spaces in your yard. It is easy to create cozy spots with movable flower pots and patio furniture. Once you can visualize your sacred spot in your mind, it is time to put it down on paper. Having your plans on paper allows you the luxury of adjusting the size or shape of your patio or deck, without costly mistakes. Also, if your project requires you find a contractor, a more detailed plan will help you to secure bids and help your contractor to envision your patio exactly the way you want it.

Decks come in all shapes and sizes. However, there are five primary types of decks. Platform decks are low to the ground; because of this they don’t require any railings or steps. Platform decks can take on any shape or size that you can dream up. Raised decks reside a couple of steps off of the ground. Due to this it is necessary to have a protective railing and steps. Rooftop decks are set atop of a flat roofed portion of a home. Second story decks are a full story above ground. They may have stairs from the yard up or access from a room upstairs. Poolside decks extend around in ground or above ground pools. Wraparound decks are any kind of deck that turns around a corner of a house.

Like decks, patios have evolved with the times from dull concrete slabs to sophisticated entertainment areas. A patio can be attached to home or placed some distance away. There are five major patio categories. The attached patio lengthens a home directly into the landscape. It can provide an eye pleasing transition from the home to the lawn and garden. A freestanding patio is usually used to enhance a specific feature of the landscape such as a beautiful garden or spectacular ocean view. A balcony patio is popular for those whose outdoor space is limited. A poolside patio focuses on entertainment. Finally, a courtyard patio combines separate areas of the home. It is important to understand what you desire for your home and which type of patio will work best for you.

Should you use a contractor? Many homeowners handle a wide range of home improvement projects themselves. However, before you take on a large patio or decking project be sure to look at the following objectively. Look at your skill level and experience versus the scope of the project. Decking and patios will require more than one person, so make sure you have someone to help you. Do you have the proper tools? If not, how much of an investment are you willing to make to get them? Do you have the time to devote to the project? Add everything up; what will your total cost be? Ready to get started?  Type Patios and Decks into the search box on the home page of www.orangecountyresourceguide.com

Your home is supposed be to your castle, your sanctuary, and the one place where you feel safe and secure.Yet for many victims of violence, their home becomes not a place of refuge but one of fear. A comprehensive home alarm system is a great way to keep strangers out and keep you and your family safe.

Burglar alarms have become standard equipment in stores and other businesses, and they’re becoming increasingly common in private homes as well. If you have ever shopped for a home security system, then you are aware that there are a large variety of options available. These alarm systems range from impressive whole house security networks that require installation by professionals to small do-it-yourself kits that are available at a reasonable price and easy to install.

Homes without home-security alarm systems have a significantly higher break in rate. An alarm system is installed to detect and deter intruders. A basic security system will consist of both perimeter and space protection to secure your premise. The first stage secures vulnerable perimeter access points such as windows and doors. The second stage consists of motion detectors, which monitor movement inside the premise. The level of security you choose is determined by the number of protective devises and the sophistication of the system installed.

When shopping for a burglary alarm system it is imperative that you check out the system you are considering as well as the dealer. Some important facts to check are the following;

- Is the company local?
- Do they have a state license?
- Do they offer 24 hour service?
- Will the company work with your insurance company for reduced rates?
- Is there a warranty?
- Is there a service contract?
- Is the system monitored by a central station? Is there a live person or a tape recording on the other end?

A qualified company should perform an on-site inspection and discuss in detail your individual requirements. Each person and home or business is unique and the system you purchase should be tailored to fit your needs and price range. The company should provide you with an evaluation of your property and actions you can take to improve your security over and above the purchase of an alarm system. For example, some suggestions might be installing proper locks, adding additional lighting or clearing shrubbery.

Some less expensive security options include motion sensors and sound detectors, which can be used to turn on lights when triggered. If you live in a reclusive area, motion sensors on outdoor lights are an easy and inexpensive way to deter possible intruders on your property. Another option would be individual window alarms. These alarms are activated by vibration and are another excellent way to deter unwanted visitors.

Whether you choose a professional alarm system or the less expensive option, start by doing your research so you know what will best suit your needs. It's time to start your research. On www.OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com home page, type security in the keywords box.