ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS – NORTH

ANAHEIM

Nothing to Report.

BREA

Spring 2010 PONY Baseball registration will be held Saturday Nov. 7th from 8 am until noon at the Brea Glenbrook Clubhouse. For more information visit www.breapony.com

BUENA PARK

Get your cats and dogs vaccinated! From 9-11 a.m. the South East Animal Control Authority will be available to help protect your animals at the Ehlers Community Recreation Center. For more information call 800-988-VETS.

CYPRESS

The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a breakfast Tuesday Nov. 10th at 7:30 a.m. with keynote speaker Mary Lou Giska. The Chamber and U.S. Marines will be joining in efforts to raise money for the Toys for Tots program. For more information and reservations call 714-827-2430.

FULLERTON

 The annual Holiday Banquet at the Assistance League will be held on Nov. 12-13th from 10-3 p.m. at the Bargain Box Thrift Store. For more information call 714-526-5124.

 GARDEN GROVE

Nothing to report.

LA HABRA

The Police Department will receive a state grant issuing $53,639 in order to keep drunk drivers off the road by issuing vital checkpoints from Dec. 16th- Jan. 3rd as well as Aug. 20- Sept 6th. Please be safe and don’t drink and drive!

 LA PALMA City

 Offices will be closed Wednesday Nov. 11th in observation of Veterans Day. Street Sweeping and Trash collection will continue their regular schedules.

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report.

STANTON

The St. Polycarp Women’s Council will host their first annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 21st from 9-4 p.m. and 8-3 p.m. on Nov. 22nd at 8100 Chapman Ave.

WESTMINSTER

Do you love blogging? Come join the Register and help them blog! For information call 714-796-7909.

YORBA LINDA

Nothing to Report.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900 For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

ORANGE COUNTY ~ CENTRAL

COSTA MESA

Barnes and Nobel in Metro Point is donating a portion of their sales to the Costa Mesa Library Foundation until Sunday Nov. 8^th.  People are asked to make mention to either the cashier or café. All proceeds will work towards building a new central library. For information visit www.costamesalibraryfoundation.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Calling all seniors! The Founders Village Senior Center will be hosting a Thanksgiving luncheon feast from 11:30 – 1:00 P.M. on Nov. 24^th. The event offers delicious turkey, raffles prizes and entertainment. For more information call 714-593-4446.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Nothing to report.

IRVINE

University High School will be celebrating their 40^th anniversary by hosting an open house, which includes campus tours, dinner, and performances, Nov. 6^th from 4-7 P.M.. For more information visit www.uhs40.com

LOS ALAMITOS

Nothing to report.

NEWPORT BEACH

Come celebrate the 234^th birthday of the Marine Corps on Saturday Nov. 7^th on the Balboa Peninsula. Festivities begin at 5 P.M. and will include dancing, dinner and an auction. Proceeds will benefit the adopted military battalion. For more information call 949-673-5070.

ORANGE

Legion Post #132 will be hosting their annual Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast Sunday November 8^th. For information call 714-538-6311.

SANTA ANA

Nothing to report.

SEAL BEACH

Free memory screening for seniors will be held at the Orange County Care Connections Outreach and Redeemer Adult Day Care from 9- 11:30 at Leisure World on Nov. 17^th. For information call 562-596-1209.

TUSTIN

A free Veterans Day Concert will  be hosted by the Beckman High School Patriot Marching Band at 7 p.m. on Monday Nov. 9^th. The American Legion Post # 227 will be attending and presenting other veterans. For information call 714-734-2900.

VILLA PARK

The Villa Park Women’s League is helping encourage community members to stop by the Villa Pharmacy and help needy youngsters from two local families by picking up a “Giving Tree” tag. For more information call 714-335-9800.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.                                                                                                               Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI                                    2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors   (949) 753-7900

For more information visit ocregister.com

ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS ~ SOUTH

ALISO VIEJO
Congratulations to the Veterans who were recognized on Wednesday at City Hall.

DANA POINT
Today, Camp Pendleton’s commanding officer Col. Nicholas Marano will recognize $50 million bachelor’s enlisted quarters in Las Flores through a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The quarters will house over 600 Marines!

LAGUNA BEACH
Laguna Beach Marines will celebrate their 234th birthday at the American Grill, at Canyon Lodge. All Laguna Marines are encouraged to come and enjoy a wonderful evening. For reservations or information call 949-499-2663.

LAGUNA HILLS
December is right around the corner, which means… Santa is coming to town! Santa will be at the Laguna Hills Community Center from 9- 10:30 A.M. on Dec. 5th. Attendees will enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, holiday crafts and of course a photo opportunity with Santa. For information call 949-707-2680 or visit ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Nothing to report.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Tijeras Creek Elementary School will be hosting a Harvest Carnival from 4:30 – 7 P.M today, November 6, 2009. Get out there and go enjoy yourselves! For more information visit tces.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com

SAN CLEMENTE
Come enjoy the Taste of San Clemente Tonight! The event begins at 6:00 P.M at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club. For information and tickets call 949-492-1131.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Nothing to report.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
For more information, please visit ocregister.com

We all use Facebook and many of the blogs on Active Rain are about improving your profile. But status updates, news feeds, and photos aren’t just for teens and adults anymore.

Researchers say a growing number of children using Facebook and MySpace despite requirements to be at least 13. These sites have no way to verify ages so children pretend to be older when signing up. Now there are a growing number of networking sites geared toward young users like Disney’s Club Penguin, WebKinz, KidSwirl and Whyville.

Its scary for many reasons, the exposure to adult content, the lack of privacy, the predators who use these sites. But here’s another–some scientists worry that pre-adolescent use of the site could be damaging to children’s relationships and brains and cause internet addiction.

If you allow your younger children to have a social network account, make sure it is with your permission and you limit time spent on the site. Make sure you know the password so you can get on if needed or monitor their pages. ALso, make sure your children put as little personal information as possible and set the settings so their profile can only be seen by confirmed friends.

It will be interesting to see what happens to this technology-driven generation as they grow up with the internet. What do you think about young children using these sites?

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange COunty Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Read CNN article here

Dia de los Muertos

El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. This is a joyous occasion when the memory of deceased ancestors and the after life is celebrated. It is believed that at this time the souls of the departed return to visit the living, as well as bring good luck to their families. It is a time to remember family and friends who have died.

Families begin the celebration by visiting gravesites, where they clean and decorate the graves with flowers, food, candles, colorful skulls and toys. Families will often bring a picnic to eat at the gravesite and bring the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased, as offerings. They build private altars adorned with flowers and photos of the deceased. The skeleton represents the spirit that still lives on. They come in many shapes and sizes as well as edible sugar skulls. They share memorable stories of the departed. In many large cities they often have parades with horses, dancers and musicians. The vendors sell sugar skulls, candy coffins, and other “Day of the Dead” treats. It is not a morbid occasion, but rather a festive time.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Sincerely,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS – NORTH

ANAHEIM
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Center Street Promenade in downtown Anaheim. There will be live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, games, a haunted house and costume contest. For information call: 714-999-3456

BREA
Sinister Point Attractions presents, two heart-pounding mazes and one scare zone at the Brea Plaza Center, 453 S. Associated Rd., on Thursday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 31 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.) and 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Sat. & Sun.).
Not recommended for children 11 and under. Cost is: $13 for single admission and $20 for double admission. For information call:
866-95-SCREAM.

BUENA PARK
Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in downtown Buena Park, corner of La Palma & Stanton. Buy your farm fresh fruits and vegetables from numerous vendors. Enjoy a variety of hot, fresh foods made to order, as well as many handmade and unique items. For information call: 562-449-9299.

CYPRESS
Halloween Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Cypress Community Center, 5700 Orange Ave. There will be games, food, prizes, costume contest and more. Admission is $3, children must be accompanied by an adult. For information call:
714-229-6780.

FULLERTON
The Fullerton Museum Center is having the scariest night of the year tour on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The tours will take you through the most haunted places in Fullerton. Reserve your spot now. Not recommended for children under 13. General admission is $25, museum members $20. For information call:
714-738-6545.

GARDEN GROVE
The Woman’s Civic Club of Garden Grove is hosting a Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 9501 Chapman Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sale will feature handmade crafts, food, baked goods and gift items. For information call: 714-539-2495.

LA HABRA
The Children’s Museum of La Habra at, 301 South Euclid Street is having a Mini Monsters Bash on Friday, Oct. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring your little goblin for some festive and spooky fun! There will be a costume parade, crafts, games, and treats. Admission is Free to members, ½ off admission to non-members wearing a costume. For information call: 562-905-9793.

LA PALMA
The yearly Spooktacular event will be on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the City of La Palma Central Park, 7821 Walker St. La Palma. Volunteers are greatly appreciated. The event will feature a costume contest for ghouls and goblins with special prizes. This year’s Halloween spookfest will feature games, a “Goblin Gulch” for children under the age of 5, and a haunted area.
For information call: 714-690-3350.

PLACENTIA
Learn the history of the tradition to honor the dead. Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead holiday. Genevieve Southgate, Asst. Director of Education for The Bowers Museum will explain the history of the tradition and also demonstrate how to build an altar, on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Placentia Public Library,
411 E. Chapman Avenue. For information call: 714-528-1906.

STANTON
Join the fun as the City of Stanton Parks and Recreation Services Department, hosts “Halloween Fun With Family and Friends”, on Friday, Oct. 30 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. This spooky event is open to all ghosts and goblins. There will be games, food, entertainment, a costume contest and a haunted house. It will be a howling good time. Admission is free. For information call: 714-379-9222 ext 270.

WESTMINSTER
The Westminster Mall Management, merchants and the Community Services and Recreation Department offers a safe and sane Halloween. There will be trick-or-treating inside the mall, as merchants pass out candy. Children can also play games at the penny carnival. The mall is located at 1025 Westmister Mall, off Golden West & 405 Fwy. For information call: 714-895-2860.

YORBA LINDA
The yearly Cook Haunt 2009, a neighborhood haunted house for more than 25 years scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 from dusk to 11:00 p.m. at Via Est. has been CANCELLED! For information email: cryptkeeper@cookhaunt.com

ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS ~ SOUTH

ALISO VIEJO
The Soka University Annual Haunted House will be held on Friday, Oct.30 and Saturday, Octo. 31 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 1 University Drive @ the SUA Recreation Center. Recommended for ages 10 years old and up, admission is $5. A kid-friendly area will be available for those children 10 or younger for $2 and children under 3 are free. Proceeds this year will be benefiting the student clubs at Soka University as well as South County Community Outreach. For information go to: www.soka.edu or call (949) 480-4081.

DANA POINT
Free Halloween Kids Boo Cruise, aboard the haunted Sum Fun. The spooky 20 minute harbor cruise will be filled with Halloween treats. Be sure to wear a costume. This cruise is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30 between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. For more information call:
949-496-5794.

LAGUNA BEACH
Halloween by Moonlight at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging area, 20101 Laguna Canyon Road, for ages 8 and up @ 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Wander by the light of the moon and listen for sounds of night creatures or what might be found. Reservations are required. For information call: 949-923-2235 or go to www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast.

LAGUNA HILLS
The Trunk and Treat at the Lake Hills Community Church, 23331 Moulton Parkway is on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is a Halloween alternative fair with decorated cars, bounce houses, live band, food, chili cook-off, contests and more. Family friendly costumes are encouraged. Cost is $1. For information call: 949-837-7729.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Bunco for the Cure:Kim Tilly, a five year cancer survivor will join teammates for a game to raise money for the San Diego Breast Cancer 3-day walk in November, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the cure. Bunco is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29 at Sunsets, 34700 Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
$20 Donation. For reservations and information call: 949-496-5794 ext 16.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Free Burger and fries! Ruby’s Diner will serve free a la carte, Cinnamon Roll French Toast or a Ruby Burger with fries from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 22411 Antonio Parkway, RSM. Bring your appetite!

SAN CLEMENTE
The Village Art Fair is held the first Sunday of every month, and is put on by the Downtown Business Association. Stroll and shop Avenida Del Mar on November 1, at 9:00 a.m. where more than 60 vendors will have arts, crafts and other fabulous items.
For more information call: 949-218-5378 or visit www.villagesanclemente.org.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Each Wednesday, visitors can enjoy purchasing fresh flowers, produce, and specialty foods at the San Juan Capistrano Farmers’ Market. The market features up to 30 vendors and is held at Yorba Street and Camino Capistrano right in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano. The Farmers’ Market is held year round. November through March hours are, 3:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. For more information call: 858-272-7054.

ORANGE COUNTY ~ CENTRAL

COSTA MESA
Orange County Fair is having the 12th Annual Trick or Treat Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31 located at, 88 Fair Dr. The costume party and live entertainment is for 21 and over. For information call: 714-708-1500 or go to: www.ocfair.com.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
The Board of Supervisors approved of a property tax exchange with Fountain Valley that will annex a 10.45-acre piece of property. For more information about the proposed property tax see the ocregister.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Centennial Committee will host a community picnic on November 7th from 4-7 p.m. at Lake Park. The picnic will include fun activities such as games, races, pie eating contests and more. To find out more information call 714-960-2892.

IRVINE
The Irvine Youth Employment Services is hosting a job fair on Saturday from 9:30- 12:30 p.m. at the Lake View Senior Center. The job fair is aimed at persons ages 15-25 and will include interviews as well as opportunities for part-time and full-time jobs. For registration and information call 949-724-6740 or visit www.irvineyouthemployment.com.

LOS ALAMITOS
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base Veteran’s Service Center at 11200 Lexington Drive. For information call: 714-427-2689 or go to: www.givelife.org.

NEWPORT BEACH
Bon fire pits are here to stay in Newport Beach. An overwhelmingly 89% of individuals who voted opposed the idea of their removal.

ORANGE
The 43rd Annual Boutique Noel hosted by The Assistance League of Orange will be held this Sunday at the Chapter House. All proceeds will benefit the chapter’s philanthropic programs. For more information call 714-532-5800 or visit alorange.org.

SANTA ANA
Congratulations to Kasey Klapenback, a teacher at Santa Ana Unified School District, for receiving the Apple of Gold Award for her excellent teaching and leadership skills.

SEAL BEACH
McAuliffe Middle School will be hosting its first Oktoberfest by the Sea on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Belmont Brewing Company in Long Beach. There will be prizes, entertainment, appetizers and delicious dessert. All proceeds will benefit the McAuliffe Enrichment Foundation. For more information call 562-619-4422.

TUSTIN
The District at Tustin Legacy is holding a Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 31 for kids from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with live music, face painting, balloon artist and more. The movie “Monsters vs Aliens” will also be shown at 6:00. For information go to:
www.ocregister.com

VILLA PARK
The city is offering Free compact fluorescent bulbs recycling at City Hall, 17855 Santiago Blvd. Bring non-working bulbs and batteries for disposal. Remember it is illegal to throw fluorescent compact light bulbs in the trash due to their mercury content. For information call: 714-998-1500.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best Regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
(949) 753-7900

For more information visit ocregister.com

Thinking about getting the flu shot? Read this, courtesy of David Letterman, to learn the top 10 ways you know know you got a bad flu shot:

10. Tastes and looks like A-1 Steak Sauce

9. Right before injecting you, doctor asks “regular or unleaded?”

8. Now that you think about it, its a little weird that the Dr office was on the D train.

7. You’re shaking like a washing machine

6. Instead of the CDC, its recommended by GMC

5. Every time you sneeze your nose falls off

4. Doctor claims its made from freshly squeezed hogs

3. Nurse sterilizes the needle with her whiskey sour

2. Went in for flu shot, ended up with a frozen, severed head next to Ted Williams

1. You find this list amusing

For more David Letterman Top Tens, click HERE.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

949-753-7900

The Internet is a wealth of information at our fingertips.And with just a few clicks you can greatly impact your personal financial stability.

Kiplinger.com and AARP.org are two website that offer more than 50 different online money calculators. These easy to navigate sites have calculators for situations you may be planning for such as retirement, college savings, real estate portfolio, or budgeting and spending. These tools do the difficult math formulas and instantly give results.

Let’s say you want to decide if you should pay down credit-card debt or save more cash. Go to www.kiplinger.com/tools and find that calculator. Answer 6 questions and it gives you quick results-and further help if needed.

A simple google search for “financial calcualtors” will give you plenty more sites to choose from. But this invaluable asset can get your financial future in line. Save time, avoid errors and take advantage of this tool to become comfortable with your spending and saving habits.

And if it is time for you to invest in a home, remember me, Your Orange County Real Estate Connection!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRS CRB GRI GREEN

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

United States Census 2010

The countdown to the 2010 Census has begun, and the U.S. Census Bureau is looking to the community to ensure an accurate count. Census day is on April 1, 2010, therefore it is extremely important that people are aware and ready to participate, ensuring the accuracy of the data.  The 2010 Census will have one of the shortest census questionnaires in the history of the United States, dating back to the nation’s first census in 1790; it will focus on questions such as name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship and whether the householder owns or rents their home.  They are hoping by making the form easier and less tedious, more participants will be willing to take the 10 minutes complete the questionnaire. The Bureau wants to stress that all answers are protected by law and strictly confidential.

Some of the main reasons residents should be aware of the 2010 Census :

• The federal government uses census numbers to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, such as education, housing and community development, health care services for the elderly, job training and more.

• State, local and tribal governments use census information for planning and allocating funds for new school construction, libraries and other public buildings, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, location of police and fire departments, and many other projects.

• Community organizations use census information to develop social service programs, community action projects, senior lunch programs and child-care centers.

• The numbers help businesses identify where to locate factories, shopping centers, movie theaters, banks and offices — activities that often lead to new jobs.

• The census totals are used to determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives (Extremely Important!)

 Be a part of this revolutionizing event and help keep the data and information accurate so the United States can better help serve you!

 For more information about the 2010 Census visit www.census.gov/2010census or Contact: Public Information Office (301) 763-3691, (301) 763-3762, or facsimile (301) 457-1037. E-mail: pio@census.gov

 And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors  (949) 753-7900

Free Compost Give-A-Way Event

Can you think of a better way to celebrate America Recycles Day than by joining C R & R and the Cities of Rancho Santa Margarita , Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and Laguna Hills, as they distribute bags of processed green waste (compost) to all of their valued and much appreciated customers?

Each customer with a coupon will receive two compost bags. In an effort to continue our green visions, we suggest carpooling with a neighbor or friend to come get your bags. After all, we have to always be thinking ahead and doing our best to make our planet more environmentally friendly.

Bag distribution will take place Saturday November 21st from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or while supplies last at the Cox Communications off Avienda de Las Banderas in Rancho Santa Margarita. So get our and join the bag movement!

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com Best regards, Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900