Orange County Blog

It’s Whale Watching Season!

And Dana Wharf is ready to  “delight (you) in the exciting sights and sounds of the many types of magnificent ocean creatures that live off the coast of Dana Point - a known landmark for whale sightings. Dana Wharf's tours offer rare glimpses into a huge variety of underwater wildlife that you'll never forget.”

The Whale Watching Season runs through the end of April and over 130 Gray Whales have already been spotted!

“Each winter, the Pacific Gray Whales pass by Dana Point, many believe that Dana Point is a landmark on their journey.  After spending the summer feeding in the food-rich waters of the arctic, the Grays swim south along the coast to the bays of Baja California, where they mate and nurse their young. Along the way they pass Dana Wharf, where you can witness the annual winter journey.”

A hot tip for the budget conscious family is 1/2 priced Tuesdays available from December through April, and 1/2 priced Wednesdays available in April only.

For other great entertainment options, click the Entertainment tab on the home page!

With more than 130 retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, shoppers come together to experience one of Orange County’s most energized retail experiences.

The Irvine Spectrum website outlines a plethora of options for shopping and dining, as well as entertainment options. Currently, there are two entertainment options sure to please!

The Irvine Spectrum Center Ice Rink - Open through February 21, 2011.
The outdoor Ice Rink located in Giant Wheel Court will offer fun for the whole family. The 47 ft. by 72 ft. rink is kept chilled at 18 degrees and maintained by the world’s smallest custom Zamboni.  For more information including pricing, session schedule, party/group details, please call 949.748.8280 or visit www.SkateSpectrum.com.

OC Can You Play - January 15, 2011 - February 06, 2011
Pacific Symphony and presenting sponsor Yamaha invite you to celebrate the joy of music through ‘OC Can You Play?’ a public pianos project. Irvine Spectrum Center will host one of 20 colorfully painted pianos being placed throughout Orange County for public enjoyment. Stop by, play your favorite tune, or even create your own performance or “piano mob”. From Chopsticks to Chopin, Bach to the Beatles, ‘OC Can You Play’ invites you to reconnect to your musical soul.

Irvine Spectrum Shopping: www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com/

To find other shopping venues in and around Orange County, click the shopping malls under Quick Links.

Before settling down for football, family, and feasting, start your day with an invigorating run. The beautiful city of Dana Point provides the opportunity to tour its beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves on Thanksgiving Day with its annual Turkey Trot - a 5K, 10K, and/or Kids’ Gobble Wobble Race. Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is considered one of America’s most scenic coastal runs, and draws as many as 10,000 participants.  From beginners to elite runners, this event is for everyone!

This year on Thanksgiving Day, you can run so others can eat by partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank. When you register to run the race, please join the Pledge Drive and ask 10 people to donate $20 each or just make a donation. The 2008 Turkey Trot raised over $40,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank and this year the need is greater than ever. Second Harvest is working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. They provide over 1 million pounds of food each month for over 220,000 people in need. The Food Bank currently serves more than 397 member charitable organizations that reach the hungry, including church pantries, shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, homes for abused children and many other emergency assistance organizations. Your donation will make a difference!

The deadline for mail in registration has passed, but the online registration doesn't end until November 22, 2010.  Make your commitment today!  For more information on this fabulous, not-to-be-missed event, go to: http://bit.ly/1KKaQG and click on Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists partner with Orange County Parks’ staff to bring amazing outdoor activities each month designed to educate OC residents about local flora, fauna, geology, and history of this 20,000 acre wilderness area.  Take a look at just some of Orange County weekend events as well as week day events during the month of September: 

September 19, Sun., 8-10 a.m., Recreational Mountain Bike Ride: Catch beautiful coastal canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 20, Mon., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Baby and Me Hike: Explore Mother Nature on your way to fitness. This brisk, 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) is for expectant women and mothers with babies in arms, packs or slings. No toddlers. (Trails not accessible for strollers.) Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person

September 25, Sat., 8:30-10 a.m., Family Bike Ride: Catch beautiful canyon views on this easy, family-friendly, 6-mile bike ride with OC Parks Ranger Portia Arutunian. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Meet at Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 30, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

Laguna Canyon Foundation http://www.lagunacanyon.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the South Coast Wilderness.

And now that you have your hiking boots on, why not take a look at Orange County’s other Regional and Wilderness parks.http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/beaches-parks.html

Take note all of you OC runners and yes, walkers also.  Here is a wonderful chance to lace up your shoes and participate in a worthwhile activity!

-- NEW LOCATION --
Orange County Sheriff Regional Training Academy
15991 Armstrong Avenue, Tustin, CA 92782

Special Guests include Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Robin Sax, Author, Legal Analyst, and Victims Advocate

http://www.surviveandthriverunwalk.org/

But what is Crime Survivors all about?  Take a look at www.Welcome2OC.com and see how they are empowering victims of crime to survive and thrive!

According to the Urban Dictionary, glamping is defined as “Shorthand for glamorous camping; luxury camping”.  The roots of glamping can be traced back to Africa decades ago.  Tourists yearning for safaris, but not willing to give up the comforts of home , found an entire industry willing to cater to their needs.  They could enjoy the wild setting while enjoying high tea.  Now glamping has risen to a whole new level with luxury camping resorts, safari camps, eco-resorts and campgrounds complete with 5 star amenities.

Take a look at http://www.welcometooc.com/ and discover whether camping or glamping is in your future.

Spring Break is approaching.  We look forward to spending time with family and friends as we step back into traditions that are lost during the busy year.  But with travels in the near future, have you thought about what you are going to do with your pets?  Pets are such an important part our families, but sometimes for a variety of reasons it just make sense to take them with you.  Happily, there are options.  Some swear by boarding their pets.  Others want the security of knowing their pets are in the comfort of their own homes.  Check out a few benefits of both options at www.WelcomeToOC.com

Before settling down for football, family, and feasting, start your day with an invigorating run. Dana Point offers the opportunity to tour its beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves on Thanksgiving Day with its annual Turkey Trot - a 5K, 10K, and/or Kids’ Race. Enjoy pounding surf, rugged cliffs, and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State Park and pass the Historic Tallship Pilgrim moored in Dana Point Harbor. Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Congress, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is considered one of America’s most scenic coastal runs, and draws as many as 10,000 participants.  From beginners to elite runners, this event is for everyone!

This year on Thanksgiving Day, you can run so others can eat by Partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank. When you register to run the race, please join the Pledge Drive and ask 10 people to donate $20 each or just make a donation. The 2008 Turkey Trot raised over $40,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank and this year the need is greater than ever. Second Harvest is working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. They provide over 1 million pounds of food each month for over 220,000 people in need. The Food Bank currently serves more than 397 member charitable organizations that reach the hungry, including church pantries, shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, homes for abused children and many other emergency assistance organizations. Your donation can make a difference!

For information on registering for this fabulous, not-to-missed event, go to: http://bit.ly/1KKaQG and click on Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

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